'Rebel' MPs face the axe in House teams overhaul

Committee on Appointments Chair National Assembly's Speaker Moses Wetangula during the vetting of CSs at the Mini Chambers, County Hall, Nairobi. January 14th,2025.[Elvis Ogina, Standard] A purge targeting 'rebel' MPs opposed to President William Ruto's broad-based government is now in the offing at the National Assembly once the House resumes from recess next month. Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetangula yesterday directed for the reconstitution of the House committees, setting the stage for an intense battle for the control of the House teams between Ruto allied legislators, those allied to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Wetangula who was speaking during the official opening of the 2025 mid-term retreat for members of the National Assembly, in Naivasha, directed the Leader of the Majority Party, Kimani Ichungwah, and the Leader of the Minority Party, Junet Mohamed to expedite the process of restructuring the Committees. "I hereby direct the Majority Leader and the Minority Leader to move in earnest and reconstruct the eighteen committees whose life has come to an end with the last session,"said Wetangula. "Now get ready to bring to the House Business Committee the new list of members to various committees, so that we can process and have new leadership or continued leadership with the committees taking into account, as you say, performance, regular attendance of committee meetings, and the industry to which you put in those attendances,' he added. Insiders who spoke to The Standard yesterday revealed that the directive by Wetangula had set off intense jostling for positions within the committees and their leadership, and that rebels would bear the brunt of the looming changes. They also revealed that in as much the committees' reconstitution was in line with the National Assembly's calendar, Ruto allies were intent on using the opportunity to install trusted loyalists in crucial House leadership positions. This is meant to counter the new found Kalonzo- Gachagua alliance whose ripple effect could be felt in the National Assembly, and meant to make sure that Kenya Kwanza is still able to execute its agenda. Further compounding the situation is the revelation that the changes are engineered to reward ODM and UDA loyalists who were instrumental in the ouster of former DP Gachagua. With the focus of the shake up being to replace 'disloyal' House committee chairpersons and vice-chairpersons with trusted allies, Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro is among those targeted in the purge. The second time lawmaker, according to sources, is being crucified over his absence during the voting on the impeachment of Gachagua and emergent suspicion of a rapprochement between the two. Nyoro was also absent during the approval of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and his Embakasi Central counterpart Benjamin Gathiru, who are steadfast allies of Gachagua are also said to be on the chopping block. Gakuya, for instance, is the chairperson of the National Assembly Committee on Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, but this could change in the wake of the new relationship between President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga under the so-called broad-based government. Gakuya and Gathiru were among the 44 MPs who opposed the impeachment Motion. Kalonzo's troops are also on the cross hairs of the MPs with a fall out being reported within the party; those rooting for the broad-based government are said to be scrambling for commission against their counterparts. Wetangula however noted that the process would be carried out fairly and called on Ichungwah and Junet to ensure it was concluded upon resumption of recess. "You know none of you can be denied a membership of at least one or two committees, the work is going to be done by your leadership. Please don't visit the office of the speaker and ask him to help to be placed in any committee because he has no such capacity," said the Speaker. On his part, Ichung'wah said the reconstitution of the committees will reflect the various capacities, expertise and abilities as well industry exhibited by members. Ichung'wah who also chairs the Committee on Selection, explained that he recognize the gaps in various committees created by MPs who have joined the Executive. "We are currently working on their replacements and will communicate the same at the appropriate time so that we fill the gaps that are available as well as leave some position for members who will be joining us after the by-elections,' he restated. Among the committees whose life has come to an end are sessional committees which includes; the House Business Committee (HBC), Powers and Privileges Committees, Procedure and House Rules Committee and Members Services and Facilities. Others are 15, appropriation and general purposes committees including Public Accounts Committees (PAC), Budget and Appropriations Committee, Public Debt and Privatization Committee Others are Public Petitions Committee, Committee on Implementation, Committee on Delegated Legislation, Regional Integration Committee and National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity among others.

'Rebel' MPs face the axe in House teams overhaul

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