Oburu Oginga quits Senate Energy chair as Kisang takes over

Siaya Senator and ODM leader Oburu Oginga has stepped aside as chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, handing the influential post to his former deputy, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang.

Oburu announced the decision during the committee's meeting on Tuesday, making clear that he wanted the change understood as a resignation rather than a removal.

“The reasons why I am vacating are beyond my own self-control. I have resigned. Nobody should say that I have been removed,” Oburu told members.

He then sought to play down any suggestion of a power struggle within the committee.

“There is no coup here. There is only a peaceful transfer, and whoever you elect will peacefully take over.”

The committee subsequently elected Kisang unanimously as its new chairman. Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla was elected vice-chairperson, taking over the position Kisang had held.

Oburu will remain a member of the committee.

A change at a politically important moment

The reshuffle comes at a significant point in Oburu's political career.

The veteran politician is also the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a role that has increasingly placed him at the centre of the party's political direction as Kenya moves towards the 2027 General Election.

His departure from the committee chairmanship gives him greater room to concentrate on political and party affairs.

However, Oburu did not publicly spell out what prompted his decision, saying only that the circumstances were beyond his control.

That leaves the exact reason for his resignation unclear.

The change does not remove him from the committee. Instead, it alters his role from chairing the panel to serving as one of its members.

Kisang takes over

Kisang moves into the chairmanship after serving as Oburu's deputy.

He thanked senators for their confidence and acknowledged the challenge of succeeding the ODM leader.

“I am taking over from the ODM party leader whose shoes are very big,” Kisang said.

He also signalled that his focus would remain on the committee's core mandate, including energy access.

“We are going to use your guidance as our patron to ensure our people get power.”

The committee is responsible for scrutinising legislation and policy relating to Kenya's energy sector, including electricity, petroleum and other energy matters.

Parliament's records show that Oburu and Kisang had already served together in the committee, with Kisang previously listed as vice-chairperson.

The committee has recently been dealing with major energy policy questions, including consideration of the National Petroleum Policy and National Energy Policy, as well as legislation concerning local content in the energy sector.

Ogolla becomes vice-chair

With Kisang moving up, Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla was elected to replace him as vice-chairperson.

She thanked Oburu and ODM for supporting her appointment.

“I want to thank the party leader for holding our hands. I also want to thank members of this committee for giving me this chance,” Ogolla said.

The new leadership now takes charge of the committee as Kenya continues to debate the cost and reliability of electricity, petroleum policy, energy investments and access to power.

What Oburu's exit means

Oburu's decision is notable because it separates two roles that have placed him at the centre of both parliamentary and party affairs.

He remains an influential figure in the Senate and continues to lead ODM, but he will no longer have the day-to-day responsibility of steering the Energy Committee.

His comments also suggest that he does not want the change framed as an internal political battle.

For now, the committee has a new chairman, while Oburu remains at the table as a member.

The bigger political significance may lie outside the committee room.

With the 2027 election approaching, Oburu's attention is increasingly likely to be drawn towards the future direction of ODM and its political alliances. His resignation therefore removes one parliamentary responsibility while leaving his wider political role intact.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.