A group of lawmakers closely linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua may soon lose their leadership roles in key parliamentary committees as President William Ruto moves to strengthen his influence over legislative processes.
This development follows a directive by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula on January 28, 2025, ordering a reorganization of 18 parliamentary committees whose terms had ended.
During the opening session of the Naivasha Mid-Term Retreat for Members of Parliament, Speaker Wetangula instructed Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Minority Leader Junet Mohammed to fast-track the restructuring process.
He emphasized that evaluations of committee members should prioritize teamwork, attendance records, and active participation in committee activities.
However, critics argue the changes are politically motivated, targeting MPs seen as loyal to Gachagua rather than focusing purely on performance.
Among those reportedly at risk are four prominent allies of the former Deputy President.
James Gakuya, the Embakasi North MP who chairs the Trade Committee, has been a vocal supporter of Gachagua.
Muthoni Wamuchomba, Chair of the Constitution and Implementation Oversight Committee and MP for Githunguri, has openly criticized President Ruto while defending Gachagua’s political stance.
Ndindi Nyoro, a influential figure in Gachagua’s circle and Chair of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, is also named as a potential casualty of the reshuffle.
Benjamin Gathiru, the Embakasi Central MP, completes the list of lawmakers facing removal. These MPs previously voted against Gachagua’s impeachment, a decision that reportedly strained their relationship with President Ruto’s administration.
The planned overhaul reflects President Ruto’s broader strategy to consolidate control within his coalition by minimizing dissent.
By targeting lawmakers aligned with his former deputy, the president aims to weaken potential opposition and ensure smoother implementation of his agenda.
Supporters of Gachagua view the committee changes as punishment for their loyalty, arguing that the criteria of attendance and engagement are being used unfairly to sideline critics.
One concerned MP, who requested anonymity, stated, “This is not about improving efficiency it’s about silencing those who dare to disagree.”
Others suggest the president’s allies who have shown reluctance to fully back his policies could also face similar consequences, signaling a zero-tolerance approach to internal dissent.
The reorganization process now rests with the House Business Committee, which is expected to receive revised membership lists from party leaders in the coming days.
Political observers are closely monitoring the situation, noting that the outcome could redefine power dynamics within Parliament and the ruling coalition.
A shift in committee leadership would not only affect legislative priorities but also determine how much influence Gachagua’s faction retains amid growing tensions.
While the administration frames the changes as routine adjustments to enhance productivity, the targeted nature of the moves has sparked debates about fairness and democratic accountability.
As the deadline for restructuring approaches, the focus remains on whether President Ruto’s bid for tighter control will succeed or deepen divisions within his coalition.
For Gachagua’s allies, the stakes are high losing their committee roles could diminish their ability to shape policy and advocate for their constituencies.
The implications for Kenya’s politics are dire, as the balance of power in Parliament often dictates the success or failure of a government’s agenda.
The coming weeks will reveal whether this strategy strengthens unity or fuels further instability in the ruling party.
