Atandi replaces Nyoro as chairperson of Budget and Appropriations Committee

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has been elected unopposed as the new chairperson of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee, taking over from Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.

Nyoro neither defended his position nor attended the election meeting on Tuesday morning.

Atandi’s election followed parliamentary regulations, which state that if only one candidate submits nomination papers before the deadline, they are declared the winner without a vote.

The presiding clerk confirmed receiving Atandi’s nomination, which was proposed by Baringo Woman Representative Florence Jematia and seconded by Taveta MP Danson Mwashako.

UDA’s Endebess MP Robert Pukose was also elected vice chairperson after being nominated by Kitui Central MP Mulu Makali and Atandi.

In his acceptance speech, Atandi expressed appreciation for the broad-based government and thanked his party leader, Raila Odinga, for his support.

"We have reached this place courtesy of their support, and I thank the broad-based government for the opportunity to serve. I also extend my sincere gratitude to my party leader, Raila Odinga," he said.

Atandi noted that his team takes office at a critical time when concerns have been raised about budget allocations and national resource distribution. He assured the public that the committee would work diligently to meet expectations.

"We will do everything possible to live up to the expectations of Kenyans," he stated.

Pukose echoed Atandi’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for fairness in resource distribution.

Last week, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula directed all parliamentary committees to elect their leadership within seven days following their reconstitution.

This followed a prolonged delay in committee assignments, which had stalled critical legislative work, including the processing of the 2025 Budget Policy Statement and the Supplementary Budget II for the 2024-2025 financial year.

The delay was linked to political disagreements between President William Ruto’s party and opposition leader Raila’s coalition, which had affected the formation of the Budget and Appropriations Committee.

The election of Atandi comes amid a major reshuffle in parliamentary leadership, with a shift in power affecting members perceived to be aligned with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The changes, spearheaded by National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro, reassigned several MPs seen as Gachagua allies to less influential committees.

Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, Roysambu MP Mwafrika Augustine Kamande, Naivasha MP Jayne Kihara, and Mumias East MP Peter Salasya were moved to the Services and Facilities Committee, which handles catering services for legislators.

Other affected MPs include Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, Juja MP George Koimburi, and Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngogoyo, who were reassigned to the Parliamentary Broadcasting and Library Committee.

Runyenjes MP Eric Karemba, Manyatta MP John Mukunji, and Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Gathiru alias Mejja Dong were transferred to the Constitution Implementation Oversight Committee, losing their previous influential positions.