Orange Democratic Movement Party leader Oburu Odinga has stepped down as chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, saying the reasons for his decision were beyond his control.
Oburu, who is also the senator for Siaya County, announced his resignation on Tuesday during a committee meeting.
Elgeyo-Marakwet Sen. William Kisang was unanimously elected to succeed him.
“The reasons why I am vacating are beyond my own self-control. I have resigned. Nobody should say that I have been removed,” Oburu said.
“There is no coup here. There is only a peaceful transfer, and whoever you elect will peacefully take over. I thank everyone once again,” he said.
Oburu remains on the Energy Committee
Oburu will remain a member of the Senate Energy Committee despite giving up the chairmanship.
Kisang, who previously served as the committee’s deputy chairperson, was elected to lead the panel. Nominated Sen. Beatrice Ogolla was elected vice chairperson, succeeding Kisang.
Kisang thanked committee members for electing him and acknowledged Oburu’s leadership of the committee.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank members of this committee for having confidence in me and electing me as the chair. I am taking over from ODM party leader whose shoes are very big,” Kisang said.
“We are going to use your guidance as our patron to ensure our people get power (electricity),” he said.
Ogolla also thanked Oburu and committee members after her election.
“I want to thank the party leader for holding our hands. Also want to thank members of this committee for giving me this chance,” she said.
Oburu’s resignation affects only his leadership position on the committee. He remains a senator and a member of the Energy Committee.
He took over as ODM leader after the death of longtime party leader Raila Odinga and has since played a central role in the party’s political affairs.
The leadership change comes as political parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 general election.
