Ruto Defends Revolving Fund for Affordable Housing Amid CriticismODM party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has resigned as chairperson of the Senate Energy Committee, announcing his decision during a meeting of the committee on Tuesday, August 11.
Oburu said his resignation was prompted by circumstances beyond his control but did not provide further details about what had led to his decision.
The veteran politician was elected to chair the Senate Energy Committee on February 20, 2025, replacing Nyeri Senator Wamatinga Wahome, who had held the position for about 18 months.
Oburu insisted that he had not been removed from the committee and maintained that his decision to step down was voluntary.
“The reasons why I am vacating are beyond my own self-control. I have resigned. Nobody should say that I have been removed. There is no coup here. There is only a peaceful transfer, and whoever you elect will peacefully take over. I thank everyone once again,” Oburu said.
Despite relinquishing the chairmanship, Oburu will continue serving as a member of the Senate Energy Committee.
Following his resignation, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, who had been serving as the committee’s vice-chairperson, was elected the new chairperson.
ODM nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla was subsequently elected to take over as vice-chairperson.
Oburu’s resignation comes nearly two months after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was removed from the committee during a reshuffle of Senate standing committees announced on June 17, 2026.
The reshuffle, announced by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, saw Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ nominated to replace Sifuna on the committee.
The latest changes come against the backdrop of significant political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Less than a day before Oburu stepped down, President William Ruto announced that his Kenya Kwanza coalition and Oburu’s ODM had formally agreed to work together and contest the 2027 election as partners.
Speaking during the Broad-Based Government Principal Group media briefing on Monday, August 10, Ruto said the agreement followed consultations within the respective political parties and formations.
The President also announced that the two sides would develop a joint manifesto outlining their agenda for the next election, formalising the political partnership that has emerged under the broad-based government.
With the 2027 General Election less than a year away, Oburu’s decision to relinquish the powerful committee chairmanship is likely to fuel further discussion about ODM’s internal organisation and its preparations for the upcoming polls.