Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has officially announced changes to the Senate Minority leadership, confirming the appointment of Migori Senator Eddy Oketch as the new Deputy Minority Whip despite opposition from the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition.
The move brings to an end Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna‘s tenure in the leadership position following a dispute within the opposition coalition over the process used to effect the changes.
Azimio protests leadership shake-up
The leadership changes were communicated to the Senate after the Kalonzo Musyoka-led Azimio Coalition Council urged Speaker Kingi not to implement any resolutions arising from a contested Parliamentary Group (PG) meeting.
In a letter dated July 16, the coalition argued that the meeting, convened by Minority Whip Ledama Ole Kina, did not comply with the coalition agreement or Senate Standing Orders.
The letter, signed by Azimio Coalition Council Chairperson Philip Kisia, stated that the council had received complaints from member parties and senators regarding attempts to alter the coalition’s parliamentary leadership without following the required procedures.
According to the coalition, senators were invited to the meeting without being informed that it would discuss Sifuna’s removal from the Deputy Minority Whip position.
Speaker proceeds with appointment
Despite the objections, Speaker Kingi proceeded to announce the leadership changes in the Senate, confirming Eddy Oketch as the new Deputy Minority Whip.
The appointment officially replaced Sifuna in the minority leadership, effectively ending efforts by the coalition to halt the changes.
Azimio had maintained that decisions regarding parliamentary leadership should only be made by the Coalition Council in accordance with the coalition agreement.
The coalition also argued that ODM’s earlier decision to exit Azimio had complicated the legitimacy of the leadership changes and requested that the matter first be referred to the coalition’s internal dispute resolution mechanism.
Chaotic meeting preceded leadership changes
The leadership reshuffle followed a tense Parliamentary Group meeting that reportedly descended into disorder as senators clashed over the proposed removal of Sifuna.
Sources indicated that disagreements over the voting process escalated into pushing and shoving among lawmakers during the closed-door meeting.
It was also alleged that Minority Whip Ledama Ole Kina injured his hand during an altercation involving Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, although the claims have not been independently verified.
Changes follow State House meeting
The disputed Parliamentary Group meeting came shortly after a section of ODM senators met President William Ruto at State House under the leadership of Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.
Reports indicate the discussions preceded the reorganisation of the Senate Minority leadership, although details of the meeting have not been made public.
The latest changes mark another chapter in the ongoing political realignments within the opposition as parties continue to differ over leadership and the future direction of the coalition.
