Oburu announced his resignation during a meeting of the committee on Tuesday, August 11. He said circumstances beyond his control influenced his decision, although he did not explain the specific reasons.
Oburu Insists He Resigned Voluntarily
The veteran politician stressed that he had not been removed from the committee leadership.
“The reasons 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,” Oburu said.
He thanked members of the committee for their support and urged them to conduct a smooth transition to the new leadership.
Leadership Changes Take Effect
Senators elected Oburu as chairperson of the Energy Committee on February 20, 2025. He had replaced Nyeri Senator Wamatinga Wahome, who served in the position for about 18 months.
Following Oburu’s resignation, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, who previously served as vice-chairperson, won election as the new chairperson of the committee.
ODM nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla also won election as the committee’s new vice-chairperson.
Despite leaving the chairmanship, Oburu will continue serving as a member of the Senate Energy Committee.
Resignation Follows Earlier Senate Reshuffle
Oburu’s decision comes less than two months after the Senate reshuffled its standing committees.
During the June 17 reshuffle, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot announced the removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from the Energy Committee. Senators later nominated Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’ to replace him.
The reshuffle attracted political attention because it affected several influential ODM lawmakers.
Timing Raises Political Questions
The resignation came less than a day after President William Ruto announced that Kenya Kwanza and ODM had formally agreed to form a coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during a broad-based government media briefing on Monday, August 10, Ruto said the parties would develop a joint manifesto to guide their cooperation in the next election.
Political analysts say Oburu’s resignation could allow him to concentrate more on ODM’s internal affairs and the party’s preparations for the 2027 polls.
The development adds another layer to the ongoing political realignments as Kenya’s major parties position themselves ahead of the next General Election.
