Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi was on Wednesday, March 12 elected the chairperson of the powerful National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee. The ODM lawmaker is replacing Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.

Endebess MP Robert Pukose was equally elected the vice-chairperson of the committee whose main role is to take the lead in budgetary oversight by the National Assembly.

In his acceptance speech, Atandi thanked the broad-based government and his party leader Raila Odinga for the “unwavering support.”

“We have reached this place courtesy of their support, and I thank the broad-based government for the opportunity to serve. I also extend my sincere gratitude to my party leader, Raila Odinga,” said Atandi. “We will do everything possible to live up to the expectations of Kenyans.”

Meanwhile, Butere MP Tindi Mwale was elected the chairperson of the powerful National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The ODM MP defeated his Rarieda counterpart Otiende Amollo. Mwale secured 9 votes against Amollo’s 6.

Garissa Woman Rep. Amina Siyad Udgoon was elected Vice Chairperson of the PAC, defeating Funyala MP Wilberforce Oundo. Udgoon secured 11 votes against Oundo’s 4.