By Reporter
The battle for the vacant seat for the Parliamentary Service Commission has brought tension within the Orange Democratic Movement right in the middle.
The competition and battle for the seat pits ODM MPs from the Luhya community revolving around Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, who have demanded that the post be retained in the region.
On the other hand, a section of MPs from Nyanza are of the opinion that the seat should go to either Siaya or Migori, where two applicants were shortlisted.
In a press statement read by the Luhya parliamentary caucus and attended by CS Oparanya, the caucus demanded that the vacant seat be preserved for the Luhya community after the expiry of the six-year term of Commissioner Rachel Ameso.
“We demand that the vacant seat that was held by Commissioner Rachel Ameso be retained in Western Kenya. This is our position,” Raphael Wanjala read the statement on behalf of the caucus.
In a recent advert, the Parliamentary Service Commission listed the shortlisted candidates and interview dates. The interviews are scheduled for 10th September 2026.
“The Parliamentary Service Commission hereby publishes the names of applicants shortlisted for the position of female non-MP Commissioner of the Parliamentary Service Commission under Article 127(2)(d) of the Constitution, as well as the dates and timings of the respective interviews,” read the advert.
The shortlisted candidates included Amb. Amina Ali Abdalla from Nairobi, CPA Margaret Nyakoboke Ogega from Kisii, Betty Mbonne Nysge from Trans Nzoia, Denitah Ghati from Migori, Diana Nadzua Mwacharo from Taita Taveta, Dr Brenda Sara Khanani from Busia, Fatuma Ibrahim Ali from Wajir, Mary Mwende Muthoka from Machakos, Prof Jacqueline A Oduol from Siaya, Rachael Wanjiku Kihara from Nakuru, Stellah Chepkemboi Ruttoh from Nandi and Sunjeev Kaur Birdi from Nairobi.
Western and Nyanza both have two candidates, with the political leaders from the two regions trying to undo one another.
The battle over the seat could further cause disintegration in the party and tension within the ranks and the file.
Already, intense lobbying has been going on over the vacant seat, with some of the broad-based candidates shortlisted.
