Sifuna removed as Senate Deputy Minority Whip

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced the leadership change in a communication to the House during Thursday afternoon's plenary sitting.

"By a letter dated 16th July 2026, I received correspondence from the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Stewart Madzayo, regarding the removal of Senator Edwin Sifuna as the Deputy Senate Minority Whip and the election of Senator Eddy Gicheru Oketch to replace him," Speaker Kingi told the House.

Responding to the announcement, Sifuna thanked the Minority leadership and senators for their support during his tenure.

"I thank the leadership and members for the cooperation they have given me during my time as the Deputy Senate Minority Whip. I congratulate my young brother, Senator Eddy Oketch, on his new role," Sifuna said.

The change from the Azimio coalition takes immediate effect, with Oketch assuming the position of Deputy Senate Minority Whip.

Responding to his removal as Deputy Minority Whip, Sifuna thanked the Minority leadership and members for their support during his tenure and congratulated his successor.

"I thank the leadership and members for the cooperation they have given me during my time as the Deputy Senate Minority Whip. I congratulate my young brother, Senator Eddy Oketch, on his new role," Sifuna said.

The latest development comes a week after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) formally recognized Sifuna's removal as ODM Secretary General, bringing to an end months of uncertainty following a National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution that ousted him from the party's top administrative position.

In a letter addressed to Sifuna at his Parliament Buildings office, the Registrar of Political Parties said his removal complied with both the Political Parties Act and the ODM Constitution.

"Upon review of the documents submitted by the party and the lack of response from you pursuant to Article 47 of the Constitution, we note that your removal from the office of the party Secretary General was in line with the Political Parties Act Cap. 7D and the ODM party Constitution," the Registrar stated.

The Registrar further confirmed that the changes had been effected, stating: "Owing to the above, this office has effected the change and updated the party records."