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Broad-Based Govt to Axe Rebel Lawmakers in Post–By-Election Cleanup

The Broad-Based government is preparing a sweeping purge of rebel MPs this week, days after Thursday’s by-election results reaffirmed ODM and UDA’s grip on national politics. The two dominant parties, freshly emboldened by their victories, now plan to punish MPs and Senators who defied party positions by backing rival candidates. Sources indicate that Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni and Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, popularly known as Jicho Pevu, are top targets for removal from the influential Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC). According to party insiders, Omogeni of ODM and Ali, who sits in PSC courtesy of UDA, have acted time and again against the interests of the parties that sponsored them. Ali openly campaigned for a Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate in Magarini, defying UDA’s endorsement of ODM’s Harrison Kombe, who eventually clinched the win. Omogeni, a close ally of presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i, also sided with candidates from a “Matiang’i-friendly” outfit during the Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya and Ekerenyo Ward by-elections in Nyamira County. Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale is also on the chopping block after he defied UDA’s official position and campaigned for DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako instead of David Nandwa. Top officials from both ODM and UDA have confirmed that a wave of disciplinary actions is imminent. The shake-up will extend beyond PSC positions to include changes in departmental committees in both the National Assembly and Senate. Party leaders insist that it is parties, not individuals, that hold parliamentary leadership positions and committee seats. They maintain that MPs who refuse to follow party instructions should resign or expect to be ousted from their posts. “When by-elections are held, we have to create space for the new entrants. That is provided by the standing orders,” Minority Leader Junet Mohamed told The Star on Sunday morning. Asked about the looming purge targeting rebel MPs and PSC commissioners, he maintained, “All those will be dealt with during the changes.” UDA secretary general Hassan Omar echoed the stance, issuing a stern warning to defiant legislators. He argued that anyone who undermined their party’s agenda should step aside voluntarily. “These people should give up these positions and seek fresh mandate; they can’t have their cake and eat it. Senator Okong’o, for instance, should do an honourable thing and give ODM their position as Ali, who is in PSC courtesy of UDA,” Omar said. The purge is expected to reach MPs aligned with Kenya Moja as well. Among those facing possible consequences are ODM rebels Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Caleb Amisi (Sabaoti), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Obadia Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu), Jack Wamboka (Bumula), and Wilberforce Oundo (Funyula). There are also sustained internal calls to remove Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, not only as ODM Secretary General but also from his role as Deputy Minority Whip. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Telegram

admin December 1, 2025 2 min read

Sources indicate that Nyamira Senator Okong’o Omogeni and Nyali MP Mohamed Ali, popularly known as Jicho Pevu, are top targets for removal from the influential Parliamentary Service Commission (PSC). According to party insiders, Omogeni of ODM and Ali, who sits in PSC courtesy of UDA, have acted time and again against the interests of the parties that sponsored them.

Ali openly campaigned for a Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) candidate in Magarini, defying UDA’s endorsement of ODM’s Harrison Kombe, who eventually clinched the win.

Omogeni, a close ally of presidential hopeful Fred Matiang’i, also sided with candidates from a “Matiang’i-friendly” outfit during the Nyansiongo, Nyamaiya and Ekerenyo Ward by-elections in Nyamira County.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale is also on the chopping block after he defied UDA’s official position and campaigned for DAP-K candidate Seth Panyako instead of David Nandwa.

Top officials from both ODM and UDA have confirmed that a wave of disciplinary actions is imminent. The shake-up will extend beyond PSC positions to include changes in departmental committees in both the National Assembly and Senate.

Party leaders insist that it is parties, not individuals, that hold parliamentary leadership positions and committee seats. They maintain that MPs who refuse to follow party instructions should resign or expect to be ousted from their posts.

“When by-elections are held, we have to create space for the new entrants. That is provided by the standing orders,” Minority Leader Junet Mohamed told The Star on Sunday morning. Asked about the looming purge targeting rebel MPs and PSC commissioners, he maintained, “All those will be dealt with during the changes.”

UDA secretary general Hassan Omar echoed the stance, issuing a stern warning to defiant legislators. He argued that anyone who undermined their party’s agenda should step aside voluntarily.

“These people should give up these positions and seek fresh mandate; they can’t have their cake and eat it. Senator Okong’o, for instance, should do an honourable thing and give ODM their position as Ali, who is in PSC courtesy of UDA,” Omar said.

The purge is expected to reach MPs aligned with Kenya Moja as well. Among those facing possible consequences are ODM rebels Anthony Kibagendi (Kitutu Chache South), Caleb Amisi (Sabaoti), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Obadia Barongo (Bomachoge Borabu), Jack Wamboka (Bumula), and Wilberforce Oundo (Funyula).

There are also sustained internal calls to remove Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, not only as ODM Secretary General but also from his role as Deputy Minority Whip.