Siaya Senator and ODM leader Oburu Oginga has dramatically resigned as chairperson of the Senate Energy Committee, insisting he was not pushed out.
Oburu announced his decision during the committee’s meeting on Tuesday, August 11, saying the circumstances behind his exit were “beyond his own self-control.”
But he offered no further explanation.
“I have resigned. Nobody should say that I have been removed. There is no coup here,” Oburu said, describing the change as a “peaceful transfer.”
Oburu took over as chairperson of the powerful Senate Energy Committee in February 2025, replacing Nyeri Senator Wamatinga Wahome.
Despite stepping down as chair, Oburu will remain a member of the committee.
Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang, who served as vice-chair, has now been elected the new chairperson, while ODM nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla takes over as vice-chairperson.
The resignation comes at a politically sensitive moment.
Just a day earlier, President William Ruto announced that Kenya Kwanza and ODM had formally agreed to work together in the 2027 General Election.
The two political formations are also expected to develop a joint manifesto ahead of the polls.
Oburu’s sudden resignation is already raising questions over what is happening inside ODM and whether the veteran politician’s next focus will be the party’s internal affairs and preparations for the 2027 election.
For now, Oburu says there was no coup. Just a “peaceful transfer.”