Oburu Odinga resigns as chair of powerful Senate Energy Committee

ODM party leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has resigned as chairperson of the Senate Energy Committee, announcing his decision during a meeting of the panel on Tuesday, August 11.

Oburu said his resignation was prompted by circumstances beyond his control, without providing further details on what 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 served in the position for about 18 months.

Oburu maintained that he had not been removed from the committee, insisting that his decision to step down was voluntary, although he did not provide further details on the circumstances behind his resignation.

“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.

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His resignation comes nearly two months after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, now Oburu’s political opponent, 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.

Following Oburu’s resignation, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, who had been serving as vice-chairperson, was elected the new chairperson of the Senate Energy Committee.

Additionally, ODM’s nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla has been elected as the vice-chairperson of the powerful committee.

Nonetheless, the lawmaker will remain a member of the Energy Committee following his resignation as chair.

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