Amos Khaemba, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Looks like the deal between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto has started taking effect.

Following the new deal, the president allowed Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition to chair some committees previously held by Kenya Kwanza Alliance.

On Thursday, February 20, Siaya senator Oburu Odinga was elected chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Energy.

"Siaya Senator Dr. Oburu Odinga has been elected unanimously as the Chairman of the the Senate Standing Committee on Energy," the Senate said.

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang will deputise Raila's brother in the powerful committee.

The committee which was previously chaired by Nueri senator Wamatinga Wahome, handles matters related to fossil fuel exploration, development, production, maintenance and regulation of energy in the country.

Meanwhile, Catherine Mumma, another close ally of the ODM leader was elected as the vice-chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations.

Kiambu senator Karungo Wa Thang'wa has now been reassigned to the Devolution Committee after being kicked out of the Transport Committee.

Reacting to the changes, Thang'wa vowed to champion the full transfer of all devolved functions alongside corresponding resources.

"After my removal from the Roads, Transportation, and Housing Committee, I was reassigned to the Devolution Committee. Today, we held our first sitting and where Senator Abbas & Senator Mumma were elected Chair and Vice Chair respectively.

"With my years of experience in devolution, I am committed to strengthening its implementation, ensuring governors are held accountable, and compelling the national government to fully transfer all devolved functions along with their corresponding resources," Thang'wa said.

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, and Kirinyaga's James Murango are among the senators who have been left out of the committees as Ruto's team starts the purge of Gachagua's close allies.

As reported earlier, the Kenya Kwanza Alliance is set to change the leadership of its National Assembly committees.

Ruto is preparing a drastic shake-up in the National Assembly to replace disloyal House committee chairpersons and vice-chairpersons with trustworthy allies.

One of the committees that will have a new chairman is the powerful Budgets and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Kiharu Member of Parliament (MP) Ndindi Nyoro.

Nyoro's position will be taken up by an ODM lawmaker as per the agreement between Ruto and Raila.

Source: TUKO.co.ke