How ODM Senators have reaped fruits of Ruto-Raila handshake

Migori Senator Eddy Oketch during County Public Investments and Special Funds at the VIP Lounge, KICC, Nairobi. March 29th,2023 [Elvis Ogina, Standard} The ODM Party is having the last laugh by controlling seven out of the 19 Senate committees, while the UDA Party controls the other 11. ODM's gains reflect the growing working relationship between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga. The party, which had previously been in charge of only two Senate oversight committees (traditionally led by the opposition), now holds significant leadership positions. Senate Minority Whip Ledama ole Kina explained that ODM's increased leadership roles in both the Senate and National Assembly resulted from the collaboration between the government and opposition parties. "UDA realised that ODM legislators are experts in certain areas, and it is clear that we have performed well in the past in the committees where our members have held leadership positions. That is why they agreed to support some of our members as chairpersons," said Ledama. The Narok Senator added that ODM legislators who now lead Senate and National Assembly committees have committed to working hard to prove they deserve these positions and urged Kenyans to give them time to deliver. Makueni Senator Daniel Maanzo noted that, traditionally, committees elect their leaders democratically, regardless of party affiliation. However, in this case, it was President Ruto and Raila who decided who would occupy these positions. "Normally, the members of a particular committee elect their leaders, but this time, it is Ruto and Raila who chose them. Parliament is under capture, and that's why oversight is affected," Maanzo said. Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei argued that, unlike the 2018 handshake between then-President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila, the 2025 partnership between Ruto and Raila is genuine and a major political advantage for Raila. Cherargei explained that the agreement between UDA and ODM, signed at KICC early this month, allows any member to chair parliamentary committees, regardless of whether they belong to the majority or minority side. He praised Raila for his ability to reward and maintain loyalty within his party. "You have to give it to Raila; he knows how to reward and maintain loyalty within his ranks, as evidenced by the appointments in Parliament and government. He has reaped the benefits of Ruto honouring their partnership," he said. Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu described the positions given to ODM as a bribe to secure Raila's support for Ruto, suggesting that without this support, Ruto would not have completed his first term in office. Nyutu argued that ODM had taken advantage of Ruto's vulnerability, noting that Ruto feels threatened by potential rebellion from some of his 2022 supporters. "A good example is Migori Senator Eddy Okech, who is now chairperson of the Senate Roads and Transport Committee and also Vice-Chairperson of the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee. Ordinarily, a chairperson cannot be a vice-chair of another committee. I pity Ruto," said Nyutu. Nominated Senator Veronica Maina said Kenya Kwanza's preferred position was to retain their leadership roles. However, they acknowledged the changing political dynamics and chose to adapt accordingly. Service delivery Maina said politicians must learn to accept when political dynamics shift and focus on becoming more relevant to the needs of the people. "We should shift our focus to service delivery and address the key issues that require our attention. This way, we will be able to meet the basic needs of health, infrastructure, food security, and energy for both domestic and industrial use," said Maina. The vice chair of the Justice, Human Rights and Legal Affairs Committee added that the ultimate goal of leadership is service to the people, which aligns with the objectives of the Kenya Kwanza administration. Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki argued that parliamentary committees should be allowed to elect their own leaders, but since the advent of the 2010 Constitution, leadership has been decided by Party Parliamentary Group meetings, presided over by the party leader. Faki pointed out that the process had been the same in 2013, 2017, and 2022, with both the ruling and opposition parties determining committee leadership. "With the broad-based government, UDA ceded some committees to ODM. The party leadership informed us of the availability of these positions, and we declared our interests. I was elected chairperson of the Lands, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee," said Faki. Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Raila's elder brother, was elected chairperson of the Senate Energy Committee in the new working arrangement between UDA and ODM. Kwale Senator Issa Boy Juma (ODM) was elected chairperson of the Senate Trade, Industry, and Tourism Committee, while Nominated Senator Betty Montet (ODM) became chairperson of the Senate Education Committee. Nominated Senator Crystal Asige (ODM) was elected vice-chair of the Senate Labour Committee, and Nominated Senator Catherine Mumma was re-elected vice-chairperson of the Senate Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations Committee. ODM has previously been in charge of two Senate oversight committees, with Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang serving as chairperson of the Senate County Public Accounts Committee. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi (ODM) has served as chairperson of the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee since September 2022 and was re-elected to that position recently.

How ODM Senators have reaped fruits of Ruto-Raila handshake

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