Recent political dynamics in Kenya have led to significant committee reshuffles affecting elected officials at both national and county levels. These changes have been characterized by purges targeting perceived 'rebel MPs' from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party within the National Assembly and committee removals of Members of County Assembly (MCAs) in Homa Bay amid an alleged supremacy battle.

In a notable purge at the National Assembly committee, several perceived rebel MPs from the ODM Party were moved. Among those targeted were Kisumu County MP Ruth Odinga, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, and Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi. Ruth Odinga, sister to ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, was transferred from the Agriculture Committee to the Members’ Services and Facilities Committee. Caroli Omondi, who previously chaired the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee, was moved to the Sports and Culture Committee, with Baringo North MP William Kamket replacing him as chairperson. Anthony Kibagendi, who served as the vice chairperson of the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education, was relocated to the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee and replaced by Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Boyd Were.

Beyond these specific instances, other significant committee adjustments were made across the National Assembly. Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba returned to the Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee and also joined the Regional Development Committee, replacing Tetu MP Geoffrey Wandeto. Her former position at the Member Services and Facilities Committee was filled by nominated MP Teresia Wanjiru Mwangi. Butere MP Tindi Mwale was removed from the Committee on Delegated Legislation and replaced by Ugunja MP Omondi Moses Okoth. Mbeere North MP Leo Wa Muthende was appointed to the Committee on Implementation, replacing West Pokot Woman representative Kasiwai, Rael Chepkemoi, and also joined the Environment, Forestry and Mining Committee, taking the place of the late Isiolo MP Tubi, Bidu Mohamed.

Further changes included Malava MP David Ndakwa and Juja MP George Koimburi joining the National Cohesion and Equal Opportunity committee, replacing the late nominated MP Joseph Hamisi and Nakuru MP Chelule Liza Chepkorir, respectively. Ndakwa also replaced the late nominated Hamisi at the Sports and Culture committee. The Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library committee saw Kesses MP Julius Kipletting, Tetu MP Wandeto, and Magarini MP Harrison Kombe replace Marakwet West MP Toroitich Timothy Kipchumba, Juja MP Koimburi, and Budalangi MP Wanjala Raphael. Chesumei MP Paul Biego replaced the late Isiolo MP Tubi at the Public Petitions Committee. Juja MP Koimburi also assumed a role in the Regional Integration committee, replacing Bahati MP Mrembo Irene Njoki. Banissa MP Hassan Ahmed Maalim replaced Mandera County MP Sheikh, Umul Ker Kassim, on both the Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture and the Regional Development Committee. Kajiado County MP Sankaire Leah Sopiato was appointed to the Special Funds Accounts Committee, replacing Chesumei MP Biego. At the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee, Marakwet West MP Kipchumba replaced Runyenjes MP Karemba Eric Muchangi, while nominated MP Kipchumba Harold Kimuge replaced Garissa County MP Siyad Amina Udgoon. Finally, West Pokot MP Chepkemoi replaced Kajiado MP Sopiato at the Tourism and Wildlife committee.

Concurrently, a simmering supremacy battle between Gladys Wanga and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has unfolded in Homa Bay County, resulting in the removal of four MCAs from House committees. The affected MCAs – Boaz Kiri (North Kabuoch Ward), Tony Otieno (Arujo), Vickins Bondo (West Kasipul), and Pauline Omogi (nominated) – alleged their ouster was a direct consequence of their meeting with Dr. Omollo two weeks prior. Vickins Bondo, who served on the Water, Agriculture, Justice, and Legal Affairs committees, stated that they were removed without stated reasons, concluding that the decision stemmed from their interaction with Dr. Omollo. He described their removal as illegal, arguing that meeting a government official like Dr. Omollo, who is part of a broad-based government, should not be a crime.

Tony Otieno, removed from the Delegated County Legislation Committee, as well as the Trade, Lands, Powers and Privileges Committee and the House Business Committee, felt they were being perceived as rebels within the County Assembly. He sought clarification from Speaker Polycarp Okombo regarding the standing orders used for their removal. Boaz Kiri termed the decision disrespectful to elected leaders, emphasizing his freedom to interact with anyone within legal bounds. However, Speaker Okombo denied the claims, asserting that MCAs are removed from committees for violating county assembly standing orders, not for meeting government officials. He maintained that the changes were implemented to enhance performance within the County Assembly. The ousted MCAs had reportedly met Dr. Omollo on February 6 to discuss various issues, including President William Ruto's re-election campaign.