Committees on the chopping block include the Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, and others chaired by Gachagua allies, such as Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, Kirinyaga Woman Rep Njeri Maina, and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya. Wamuchomba, who chairs the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee, is also under scrutiny
The removal of allies of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua from key parliamentary committees is slated for the first week of December, just days before lawmakers break for their long holiday recess. Sources privy to the plans disclosed that the timing is strategic, aiming to avoid significant backlash from members. “We plan to implement the changes just before recess so we can deal with the aftermath later,” said a member who requested anonymity. “Some of these people must go; there is no way around it.”
This development follows Gachagua’s continued criticism of the government. Speaking at a church service at PCEA Kerarapon in Kajiado North on Sunday, he defended the clergy, accusing government leaders of disrespecting Catholic bishops who had critiqued the administration. He urged the government to respect the church and its freedom of speech, emphasizing that the clergy’s voice represents the will of the people.
Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba reaffirmed her loyalty to Gachagua, saying, “Let nobody intimidate us; we stand with him.” Kajiado Senator Seki Lenku criticized the government for its alleged failures in healthcare, specifically the mismanagement of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).
The looming shake-up has sparked intense lobbying among MPs aiming for committee leadership positions. Some loyalists argue they deserve rewards for supporting Gachagua during his impeachment proceedings.
Committees on the chopping block include the Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, and others chaired by Gachagua allies, such as Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, Kirinyaga Woman Rep Njeri Maina, and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya. Wamuchomba, who chairs the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee, is also under scrutiny.
The planned changes align with warnings from National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who criticized committee leaders for absenteeism. Citing Article 121 of the Constitution, which requires a quorum of 50 members in the National Assembly, Ichung’wah said, “If you are a chair or vice-chair, take your work seriously. If not, there are 280 other members ready to take those positions.” With just four weeks before the recess, Ichung’wah warned of a “reckoning period,” underscoring the importance of accountability among committee leaders.
