NAIROBI, Kenya — Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has spoken publicly for the first time following his removal as Senate Deputy Minority Whip, thanking colleagues across the political divide for their support during his tenure and congratulating Migori Senator Eddy Oketch, who has been appointed to replace him.
Speaking on the floor of the Senate on Thursday, Sifuna expressed gratitude to both Minority and Majority senators for the cooperation they extended to him while serving in the leadership position.
“I take this opportunity to thank the leadership and the members of the Minority side and even the Majority side for the cooperation that they’ve shown me in the time that I have been Deputy Whip,” Sifuna said.
He also wished his successor well, saying:
“I congratulate Senator Eddy Oketch on his new role.”
Kingi Confirms Leadership Changes
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi formally communicated the leadership changes after receiving correspondence from Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo, confirming that the Minority Party had complied with the Senate Standing Orders governing changes to its leadership.
According to Kingi, the communication, dated July 16, 2026, was accompanied by minutes of a Minority Party meeting held on July 15 and a duly signed list of senators supporting the resolution.
He said the documents showed that Minority Party senators had voted to remove Sifuna from the office of Deputy Senate Minority Whip.
“From the correspondence, the minutes indicate that a resolution was passed to remove the Deputy Senate Minority Whip, Senator Edwin Sifuna, in accordance with Standing Order 23(4),” Kingi told the House.
Eddy Oketch Named Replacement
The Speaker further announced that the same meeting elected Migori Senator Eddy Oketch to fill the vacancy created by Sifuna’s removal.
Kingi said the appointment was made in accordance with Standing Order 23(5), which provides for the election of a replacement after a vacancy arises.
After reviewing the documents submitted by the Minority Leader, the Speaker confirmed that all procedural requirements under Standing Order 23(6) had been met.
“I have verified the correspondence received and hereby communicate that the Minority Party has effected a change in the office of the Deputy Senate Minority Whip,” Kingi said.