Sam Atandi to Replace Ndindi Nyoro as Budget Committee Chair – Senator Methu Reveals

Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi is set to become the next Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee in what appears to be a pre-arranged political decision under the broad based government framework following President William Ruto’s pact with ODM Party leader Raila Odinga, Nyandarua Senator John Methu has revealed.

Speaking on a local media station, Senator Methu stated that committee leadership positions in Parliament have already been determined by party leadership, with members expected to follow directives rather than engage in contested elections.

“For all the elections that have happened at the Senate, the elections have not been contested because these are issues that have been agreed upon. The decision of who chairs what is not really a decision of the members,” Methu asserted.

Ndindi Nyoro Sidelined

Ndindi Nyoro.

The senator categorically ruled out Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro from the race for Budget Committee chair, despite widespread speculation about his candidacy.

“I can tell you straight to your face, Ndindi Nyoro is not going to be the chairman of the committee on budget. He will not even pick up his nomination paper,” Methu stated.

According to Methu, members of the Budget Committee have already been directed to back Atandi for the chairmanship, making the upcoming election a mere formality.

“As a team, in terms of making the broad-based arrangement work, we have settled on Sam Atandi to be the chairman of this particular committee. What will happen this week or next week will just be a rubber stamp of what has already been agreed,” he explained.

Party Directives and Internal Control

The senator also disclosed that the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party leadership had issued strict instructions regarding committee appointments, warning members against engaging with perceived rebels or opposition figures.

“The leader of the majority (Kimani Ichung’wah) wrote on our platform, ‘Those who are engaging rebels and the opposition, we shall dewhip you from those particular committees,’” Methu revealed.

He further noted that similar predetermined decisions had been made for other parliamentary committees, including the Defence Committee, which will be chaired by Belgut MP Nelson Koech.

Methu, a member of the Education Committee, also highlighted that committee members were given clear instructions on whom to elect, with external oversight from figures such as Narok Senator Ledama Ole Kina, despite him not being a member of the committee.

“The leadership was there; Senator Ledama was there, and he is not a member of that committee. So they confirm and affirm that the positions that have been taken will be effected,” Methu stated.

Nyoro’s Removal from Budget Committee

On March 5, 2025, Ndindi Nyoro was officially removed as Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee following a motion moved by South Mugirango MP Sylvanus Osoro, the National Assembly Majority Whip.

Osoro’s motion restructured the National Assembly committees, effectively stripping Nyoro of his role. However, the Kiharu MP remains a member of the Budget Committee, giving him the option to contest for either the chair or vice-chair position—should he choose to do so.

With the ruling party’s leadership exerting tight control over committee appointments, Nyoro’s future role within the budget committee remains uncertain. However, if Senator Methu’s remarks are anything to go by, the matter may already be settled.