Karungo Wa Thang’wa Reassigned As Senate Committees Undergo Changes
Thang'wa and other Senators aligned with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were ousted from key Senate committee positions.
Marvin Chege 
Kiambu Senator Karungo Wa Thang’wa has announced that he was posted to a new role after being axed from the Roads, Transportation, and Housing Committee.
He announced on Thursday, February 20 that he has been transferred to the Devolution Committee and committed to leveraging his experience to enhance governance at the county level.
"After my removal from the Roads, Transportation, and Housing Committee, I was reassigned to the Devolution Committee. Today, we held our first sitting where Senator Abbas and 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," he wrote.
Senators Karungo Wa Thang’wa and Richard Onyonka during a Devolution Committee session on February 20, 2025. /KARUNGO WA THANG'WA
This new assignment comes a week after Thang'wa and other Senators aligned with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were ousted from key Senate committee positions. In response to his removal, Thang'wa reaffirmed his commitment to serving the nation undeterred by the political reshuffle.
Calling the move a strategic political purge, the Senator accepted the decision with grace, even expressing gratitude to his party for freeing up his schedule.
"I knew it would happen. I expected it. The purge has been effected. I take it like a man and vow to soldier on, unbowed. Meanwhile, I sincerely thank the Yellow party for freeing up my schedule.
"Chairing the Roads and Transport Committee at the Senate was great, but I guess progress was just too much to handle. Now, with no shackles on my hands, it’s time to inject properly, without speed bumps. I continue serving the nation and the people with my head high," he said.
Others kicked out include Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu and Kirinyaga Senator James Murango, who were removed from various Senate committees. Nyutu was a member of the Senate Education Committee and Murango was ousted as the Agriculture Committee Chair.
Additionally, Nyandarua Senator John Methu was removed from his role as chairman of the Environment and Natural Resources Committee. All the mentioned Senators lost their positions for openly criticising President William Ruto's government.
Meanwhile, the Senate embarked on changes to the leadership of its committees, announcing that Siaya Senator and Raila Odinga's brother Oburu Odinga was elected to chair the Senate Standing Committee on Energy. He will be deputised by Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kipkemoi Kisang. Previously, the committee was chaired by Nyeri Senator Wamatinga Wahome, a close associate of Gachagua.
The Standing Committee on Energy oversees all issues concerning the exploration, development, production, maintenance, and regulation of fossil fuels and energy.
The Senate also appointed Wajir Senator Abass Mohamed as the Chairperson and nominated Senator Catherine Mumma as the Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Devolution and Intergovernmental Relations.
Why It Matters
Committees play a crucial role in the functioning of legislatures, ensuring efficiency by handling the high volume of activities that would otherwise overwhelm plenary sessions.
Perks
Legislators serving in committees receive various benefits, including Ksh15,000 per sitting for the chairperson (capped at Ksh240,000 monthly), Ksh12,000 per sitting for the vice chairperson (up to Ksh192,000 monthly), and Ksh7,500 per sitting for committee members (with a maximum of Ksh120,000 per month).
Additional perks include travel allowances, car maintenance allowances, and mileage claims, among others.
