Raila allies take charge of powerful Parliamentary committees as ODM-UDA deal takes shape

The handshake deal between President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga appears to be edging closer, with the new House departmental committees handed over to the opposition party.

ODM has bagged crucial House committees, including the Budget and Appropriation Committee, which was initially chaired by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro. The powerful committee will now be chaired by Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi.

The Health Committee, previously chaired by Endebes MP Dr. Robert Pukose, will now be under an ODM legislator, with Seme lawmaker Dr. James Nyikal expected to clinch the chairmanship.

Ken Chonga from Kilifi South is expected to take up the Labour Committee, while Nominated MP Irene Mayaka from Nyamira is likely to chair the Regional Integration Committee in elections scheduled for next week.

ODM has not only secured chairmanship positions from UDA, but it has also bagged vice-chair positions in critical dockets of Lands and Education.

Other than sitting in government-preserved committees, ODM will also sit on the other side of oversight.

Butere lawmaker Tindi Scott Mwale will chair the opposition's powerful Public Accounts Committee (PAC), while Jack Wamboka and Emmanuel Wangwe, both from Kakamega and Bungoma counties, will chair the Public Investments Committees of Governance and Social Services, respectively.

Kenya Kwanza lawmakers are scheduled to hold a Parliamentary Group meeting on Friday at State House Nairobi, chaired by President Ruto, as the reconstitution of committees to accommodate Raila's allies takes shape.