NAIROBI, Kenya – Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has been elected unopposed as the new chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee of the National Assembly, marking a significant shift in parliamentary leadership.
Atandi, a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), takes over from Vincent Kawaya in what appears to be part of a broader realignment in the House.
Dr. Robert Pukose, the Endebess MP, was also elected unopposed as the committee’s vice chair, replacing Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, whose tenure had been marred by accusations of unfair budget allocations.
In his acceptance speech, Atandi expressed gratitude for the support he received, particularly from the broad-based government and his party leader, Raila Odinga.
“We have reached this place courtesy of their support, and I thank the broad-based government for the opportunity to serve. I also extend my sincere gratitude to my party leader, Raila Odinga,” said Atandi.
He acknowledged the weight of expectations surrounding his new role, pledging to ensure that budget allocations are fair and transparent.
“We will do everything possible to live up to the expectations of Kenyans,” he assured.
Atandi’s election comes in the wake of mounting criticism against his predecessor, Ndindi Nyoro. Several MPs had accused Nyoro of skewing budget allocations in favor of his Kiharu constituency.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed alleged that Nyoro funneled billions of shillings into Kiharu at the expense of other constituencies, despite public participation processes highlighting greater needs elsewhere.
“He took advantage of his position in the powerful committee to do skewed allocation of resources,” Junet claimed, citing the rapid development of tiled classrooms and cabro-paved schools in Kiharu as evidence of disproportionate funding.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah also acknowledged that some constituencies had suffered due to unbalanced allocations by the committee.
Atandi’s appointment is part of a wider shakeup in parliamentary leadership.
Recent changes orchestrated by National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro saw several MPs perceived to be loyal to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua demoted or moved to less influential committees.
Among those reassigned were Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Roysambu MP Mwafrika Augustine Kamande, Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya, who were moved to the services and facilities committee, which oversees catering for legislators.
Other notable demotions include Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, Juja MP George Koimburi, and Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, all reassigned to the Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library Committee.
The reshuffle is seen as an attempt to create space for ODM MPs in key parliamentary positions, reinforcing the growing influence of opposition lawmakers within the government’s broader coalition.
