A letter has emerged purportedly from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party headed by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga threatening to boycott a Senate committee after Narok Senator Ledama Olekina was elected its chair.
The letter, which surfaced on Monday, May 4, and bearing Siaya Senator James Orengo’s signature, claimed that it would withdraw its membership from the County Public Accounts and Investments Committee shortly after Olekina’s win.
“I express and register dissatisfaction with the conduct and outcome of the elections of the leadership of the County Public Accounts and Investments Committee which were purportedly done today.
“We intend to withdraw our membership from the said committee until an appropriate resolution a be made,” the letter reads in part.
The senator was unveiled as the new chair of the committee taking the reins from Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang.
In his reaction, Ledama accused Raila of having a hand in the developments despite him supporting the former premier in the past.
“Raila Odinga is on the record stating that his election has been stolen and I supported him. I was nearly killed in the last Resist Movement!
“Now, what exactly does this letter mean? James Orengo, are they trying to steal my chair position! No way! I am the wrong number to mess with!” he stated.
Ledama was in the race for the seat against Kisii Senator Sam Ongeri.
“Sessional Committee of Public Accounts and Investments has been reconstituted with four new members. They are Hargura Godana, Irungu Kang’ata, Ochillo Ayacko, and Johnes Mwaruma. The committee will be chaired by Ledama Olekina,” reads the statement from the Senate in part.
Kiambu Senator Paul Wamatangi was appointed to deputize the Olekina, a role previously held by Meru Senator Mithika Linturi.
Ledama and Wamatangi previously acted in the capacity of committee members prior to the latest changes.
