Ndindi Nyoro, Gachagua allies face removal from Parliament committees as Azimio secures more slots

Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro is among chairpersons of departmental committees in the National Assembly who face the axe in the latest purge of Parliamentary committees led by sympathizers or allies of the former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

In the looming changes which are expected in the House this week, the minority will get 5 slots of committees normally chaired by the majority side, as the Kenya Kwanza administration moves in to quell Azimio disquiet over the majority muddle, by tapping into what it refers to as ‘experts’ from the opposition.

Nyoro, who has been accused of being a bystander in combat, is said to be one of those on the firing line, with his lucrative Budget and Appropriations Committee set to be handed over to the Azimio coalition.

Nyoro, who did not vote to impeach Gachagua, has maintained a political low profile, and has been counted among the detractors of government agenda in Parliament.

Speaker Moses Wetangula stated: “There are still more negotiations between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio…Liaison committee will take charge of the Budget Policy Statement until a new budget committee is formed.”

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot on his part noted: “If you no longer support government policy out there, surely, won’t I be stupid to expect that when I give you a chance to chair those committees you will not do the opposite?”

Other Gachagua allies on the chopping board include Embakasi North MP James Gakuya who is currently chairing the Trade, Investment and Cooperatives Committee; Kipipiri legislator Wanjiku Muhia, who chairs the Regional Integration Committee, and Runyenjes lawmaker Eric Karemba who occupies the Labour Committee.

The Azimio side is likely going to take over their seats, including the Health Committee chaired by Endebes MP Robert Pukose, in a give and take deal entered into at a State House meeting on Monday.

This comes just days after other Gachagua sympathizers and friends were kicked out of powerful Senate committees.

They include Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa, Nyandarua’s John Methu, Kirinyaga’s james murango, and Kajiado’s Kanar Seki.

Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo said: “Wapiga kura ni maseneta wenyewe lakini kwa sababu wa uhusiano uliopo, tumesema katika hizi kamati watakaochaguliwa kwa hizi kamati ni wa ulingo wa Azimio.”

Just like in the National Assembly, the 5 slots have been reserved for the minority side, with Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga set to take charge of the Energy Committee, Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki the Lands Committee, Eddy Oketch of Migori poised to be the next Transport Committee Chairperson, Nominated Senator Betty Montet to climb up to the Education Committee, while Kwale Senator Boi Issa Juma will take over the Trade docket.

The Azimio side have also reportedly been promised 5 vice chair positions in the committees normally chaired by the majority side, days after they promised to disrupt all Parliamentary proceedings following a court decision which stripped Kenya Kwanza off it's majority tag.