Why Ruto, Oburu are targeting MPs who backed opposition in by-elections

ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, addresses party delegates at his home in Bondo, Siaya. [Michael Mute, Standard]

President William Ruto and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga are reportedly planning a purge of Members of Parliament who campaigned for opposition candidates in the recent by-elections.

Ruto and Oburu are said to be considering a major shake-up of Senate and National Assembly committees to remove legislators who defied party directives, while promoting those who remained loyal.

Ruto is reportedly set to remove Senate Majority Whip Boni Khalwale for openly supporting DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako in Malava Constituency against UDA’s David Ndakwa, a move that went against the ruling party’s position. 

“The President has decided that Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale must relinquish his position as Senate Majority Whip, as he cannot use it to campaign for the opposition, as happened in Malava,” said a senator on condition of anonymity.

Nyamira Senator Okongo Omogeni and Nyali MP Mohammed Ali are also expected to lose their positions as Parliamentary Service Commission commissioners for supporting opposition candidates in Nyamira County and Magarini Constituency.

The ODM Party is reportedly particularly concerned about Omogeni’s role in Nyansiongo, Ekerenyo and Nyamaiya Ward by-elections, where candidates allied to former Interior CS Fred Matiangi won despite ODM fielding losing candidates.

President William Ruto and ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga chat during ODM's 20th anniversary. [PCS]

Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi (ODM), a close Matiangi ally, is said to face removal as Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly Public Investment Committee on Education and Governance. Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo (ODM) and Borabu MP Patrick Osero (ODM) are also expected to be dropped from the Education Committee for supporting candidates allied to Matiangi.

Insiders indicate that Kibagendi, Gisairo and Osero will be reassigned to the Facilities and Services Committee, as a clear demotion for defying party directives. “Kibagendi, Gisairo and Osero will lose positions in lucrative committees because they campaigned against the broad-based government,” said a senior legislator.

Ford-Kenya’s Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga is also targeted for removal from the Pan-African Parliament delegation and key committee positions after supporting independent candidate Chris Wekesa in Kabuchai/Chwele Ward, defeating the preferred candidate of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi is reportedly set to face sanctions from ODM, including potential removal as Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly Public Investment Committee on Social Services, for openly supporting DAP-K’s Seth Panyako in Malava.