The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
Suba South MP Caroli Omondi and Kitutu Chache South MP Antoney Kibagendi have been removed from influential parliamentary committees following recent changes within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Omondi was on Tuesday evening relieved of his role as Chairperson of the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC), a decision he termed irregular. At the same time, Kibagendi lost his position as Vice Chairperson of the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
Kibagendi’s removal comes barely a week after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula suspended him indefinitely over remarks he made on Citizen TV, where he alleged that Parliament had ceded its independence to the Executive.
Under parliamentary procedures, political parties are responsible for allocating committee positions. However, the latest adjustments appear to have been initiated through the Selection Committee, which is mandated to nominate members to committees but does not explicitly have the authority to remove them.
Omondi questioned the legality of his removal, arguing that he had neither been formally notified nor given an opportunity to respond. He noted that his name had simply been omitted from the CIOC membership list.
“My understanding of the term ‘discharge’ is to be released or discontinued as a member of a select committee. That has effectively happened since my name is no longer on the committee list,” he said.
The legislator further stated that neither the Speaker nor the Minority Whip, Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo, had formally communicated the decision to him. He called for written documentation from both offices, citing constitutional provisions on access to information, and challenged the Selection Committee to clarify the legal basis for his removal.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who chairs the Selection Committee, dismissed claims that Omondi had been discharged. He explained that the changes stem from a broader redistribution of committee slots following by-elections that boosted UDA’s numbers in the National Assembly.
According to Ichung’wah, UDA gained additional committee positions in line with Standing Orders governing the allocation of slots based on party strength.
Meanwhile, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed hinted that the reshuffle could be part of a wider reorganisation targeting members perceived to be defying party positions.
“The issue Honourable Caroli is raising is coming. It’s on the way,” Junet remarked, suggesting further changes could follow.
Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga was also affected by the reshuffle. She was moved from the Agriculture Committee to the Committee on Members’ Services and Facilities. Ruth has previously aligned herself with ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.
Junet warned that members who fail to toe the party line risk reassignment, emphasising that political parties determine committee appointments.
In the same changes, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba was reassigned to the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee from the Members’ Services and Facilities Committee.
Marakwet MP Timothy Kipchumba was moved from the Members’ Services and Facilities Committee to the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee.
