Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri has replaced Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina as chairman of the powerful Senate County Public Accounts and Investment Committee.
Citizen TV was the first to report that Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri was elected to take over the post from him in a voting process that took place on Thursday, June 25.
Ongeri will be deputised by Marsabit Senator Hargura Godana.
Ledama had agreed to step down from the committee position after holding a private meeting with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Mr. Odinga posted on his Facebook page confirming the deal between the party and the legislator.
“Narok Senator Ledama ole Kina has this morning agreed to withdraw the case he had filed against ODM over the Senate Public Accounts Committee chairmanship, surrendered the seat and apologized. In return, I’ve instructed the party to reverse the decision to de-whip the Senator”.
The meeting took place days after Ledama declared his loyalty to ODM on the floor of the Senate, during the removal of former Senate Deputy Speaker Kithure Kindiki, following a publicized squabble over his removal as Chairman of the Senate Public Accounts and Investment Committee.
Ledama, after the meeting, also had agreed to withdraw the case he filed against the party terming his removal as unlawful.
The development came after Justice Weldon Korir of the High Court temporarily stopped Olekina’s removal from the position on May 11, after his party challenged his election.
Justice Korir ruled that unless he issues orders, the petition may be overtaken by events. The ruling came days after Senate Minority Leader James Orengo tabled a notice May 6, 2020, disapproving Olekina election as the CPAIC chairperson.
The Siaya Senator also wrote to the Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka notifying him of the party’s intention to de-whip Narok legislator apart from ousting him as the committee chairperson.
Orengo’s notice read: “In accordance with the Senate Standing Order 190, I hereby give notice of the discharge and removal of Senator Ledama Ole Kina from the County Public Accounts and Investment Committee and the Senate Business Committee.”
The powerful watchdog committee was previously chaired by Homa Bay Senator TJ Kajwang’, since the position is reserved for Minority Senators.