Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has stepped down as chairperson of the Senate Energy Committee, announcing his resignation during a meeting of the committee on Tuesday, August 11.
Oburu attributed his decision to circumstances beyond his control but did not elaborate on the factors that influenced his resignation.
The veteran lawmaker took over as chair of the Senate Energy Committee on February 20, 2025, succeeding Nyeri Senator Wamatinga Wahome, who had held the position for approximately 18 months.
Oburu was keen to clarify that he had not been ousted from the committee, stressing that he voluntarily relinquished the leadership position. He, however, offered no further explanation about the circumstances surrounding his decision.
“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 asserted.
The resignation comes almost two months after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who is now Oburu's political rival, was removed from the committee as part of a reshuffle of Senate standing committees announced on June 17, 2026.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot announced the changes, which included the nomination of Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ to take over Sifuna's position on the committee.
Following Oburu's resignation, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, who previously served as vice-chairperson, was elected to head the Senate Energy Committee.
ODM nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla was subsequently elected as the committee's new vice-chairperson.
Despite relinquishing the chairmanship, Oburu will continue serving as a member of the Senate Energy Committee.
The development comes less than a day after President William Ruto announced that his Kenya Kwanza coalition and Oburu-led ODM had formally agreed to work together in a coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the Broad-Based Government Principal Group media briefing on Monday, August 10, Ruto said the agreement was reached after consultations involving the two parties and their respective political formations.
According to the President, Kenya Kwanza and ODM will also prepare a joint manifesto setting out their priorities and agenda for the 2027 polls, further formalising the political partnership that has taken shape under the broad-based government arrangement.
The agreement comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, which is less than a year away.
Oburu's decision to relinquish the Senate committee chairmanship could potentially give him greater room to concentrate on ODM's internal affairs and the party's preparations for the upcoming elections.
His continued role as a member of the Energy Committee means the Siaya Senator will retain a presence in the Senate even as he shifts greater attention towards his responsibilities within ODM and the emerging Kenya Kwanza-ODM political arrangement.
