Oburu Oginga Resigns as Senate Energy Committee Chairperson

Siaya Senator and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga has resigned as chairperson of the Senate Energy Committee, saying the decision was voluntary and driven by circumstances beyond his control.

The announcement was made during the committee’s sitting on Tuesday, 11 August, ending Oburu’s tenure less than two years after he took up the position. Oburu became chairperson in February 2025, succeeding Nyeri Senator Wamatinga Wahome. He said his resignation was not the result of internal political manoeuvring.

“The reasons (why I am vacating) are beyond my own self-control. I have resigned. Nobody should say that I have been removed. There is no coup here. There is only a peaceful transfer, and whoever you elect will peacefully take over,” he told members of the committee.

Following his resignation, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, who had served as vice-chairperson, was elected to succeed him as chair. ODM nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla was elected vice-chairperson.

Oburu will remain a member of the Energy Committee despite giving up its leadership. The change follows recent changes to the committee’s membership and leadership. In June, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was removed from the committee during a reshuffle of Senate standing committees. 

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ was appointed to replace him. The changes were led by Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot. Oburu’s resignation came hours after President William Ruto confirmed that Kenya Kwanza and ODM had reached a coalition agreement ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Under the agreement, the two political formations will develop a joint manifesto as they formalise their partnership under the broad-based government framework. The resignation could allow Oburu to focus more closely on ODM’s internal affairs and preparations for the 2027 election while remaining involved in the Senate as a committee member.

His departure also allows the Energy Committee to continue under new leadership, with ODM retaining the vice-chairperson’s position through Ogolla.