ODM rebels purged from key House committees as 2027 battle lines harden

Fresh wrangles have rocked the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after several lawmakers opposed to the party’s broad-based arrangement were removed from influential National Assembly committees.

The changes, effected on Tuesday, February 24, come amid growing internal tensions as political camps begin positioning ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Caroli Omondi ousted from CIOC

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi was removed as chair of the Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee (CIOC), a powerful House team tasked with monitoring constitutional compliance. He was replaced by Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba.

Omondi, who has been vocal against the broad-based political arrangement perceived to back President William Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, claimed his removal was politically engineered.

“They do not want me to chair the CIOC because I am going to oversight the elections. They want to rig the elections, that is why they do not want me at the CIOC,” he alleged.

Junet warns dissenters

Confirming the reshuffle, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed maintained that party discipline would be enforced without fear or favour.

He warned that MPs who defy the party line risk losing influential committee slots, emphasising that committee appointments are a privilege granted through party sponsorship.

“It is your party that decides which committees you will serve in. Those who think they are entitled will be dealt with thoroughly,” Junet stated.

Majority side distances itself

Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah dismissed claims that he influenced Omondi’s removal, stating he does not interfere in opposition party affairs.

“Caroli went on national TV to threaten this House that we want to remove him from a committee. I am not involved in ODM affairs,” Ichung’wah said.

More lawmakers affected

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga was moved from the Agriculture Committee to the Committee on Members’ Services and Facilities. Odinga has recently criticised the broad-based arrangement and publicly backed ousted ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.

Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi was also removed from the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education. He was replaced by Kasipul MP Boyd Were.

The latest developments signal deepening divisions within ODM as rival camps jostle for control and influence, setting the stage for intensified political battles in the run-up to 2027.