Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has suffered another political setback after being removed as the Senate Deputy Minority Whip, marking his second loss of a senior leadership position within a week.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi announced the changes during Thursday’s afternoon sitting, saying he had received a letter from Senate Minority Leader Stewart Madzayo confirming Sifuna’s removal and the election of Migori Senator Eddy Gicheru Oketch as his replacement.
The latest development comes just days after the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) formally recognized Sifuna’s removal as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General, ending months of uncertainty over his status following a National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution.
Despite the changes, Sifuna struck a conciliatory tone, thanking the Minority leadership and fellow senators for their support during his tenure.
“I thank the leadership and members for the cooperation they have given me during my time as the Deputy Senate Minority Whip. I congratulate my young brother, Senator Eddy Oketch, on his new role,” Sifuna said.
Oketch assumes the role of Deputy Senate Minority Whip with immediate effect as the Azimio coalition implements the leadership changes.
The twin developments underscore a significant shift in Sifuna’s standing within ODM and the Azimio coalition, where he has relinquished two influential leadership positions in quick succession.
