Siaya Senator and ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga has resigned as Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Energy, bringing to an end his tenure at the helm of one of the Senate’s key oversight committees and paving the way for Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang to assume the leadership role.

Oburu announced his resignation during a committee meeting at Parliament Buildings, saying his decision was prompted by circumstances beyond his control. However, he firmly rejected claims that he had been removed from office, describing the leadership change as a voluntary and orderly transition.

“The reasons (why I am vacating) are beyond my own self-control. I have resigned. Nobody should say that I have been removed,” Oburu told committee members.

He further sought to quell speculation surrounding his departure, assuring members that the transition would proceed without disruption.

“There is no coup here. There is only a peaceful transfer, and whoever you elect will peacefully take over. I thank everyone once again.”

Oburu did not elaborate on the circumstances that informed his decision, maintaining only that they were beyond his control. Despite relinquishing the chairmanship, he confirmed that he would remain a member of the Senate Energy Committee, allowing him to continue participating in its legislative and oversight work.

Immediately after his resignation, committee members unanimously elected William Kisang, who had been serving as vice chairperson, to take over as chairperson. Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogolla was then elected vice chairperson, succeeding Kisang.

Accepting the new role, Kisang paid tribute to his predecessor and acknowledged the responsibility that comes with leading the committee.

“I am taking over from the ODM party leader whose shoes are very big. We are going to use your guidance as our patron to ensure our people get power (electricity),” Kisang said.

Ogolla also thanked committee members for the confidence they had placed in her and acknowledged Oburu’s leadership.

“I want to thank the party leader for holding our hands. I also want to thank members of this committee for giving me this chance,” she said.

The Senate Standing Committee on Energy is responsible for considering legislation, reviewing policy matters and exercising parliamentary oversight over issues relating to the country’s energy sector. Its work includes examining matters concerning electricity, petroleum, renewable energy and the performance of state agencies under the energy portfolio.

Oburu was elected chairperson of the committee in February 2025 and has overseen its work on a range of energy-related legislative and oversight matters. His resignation marks a change in leadership but does not affect his membership of the committee.

Media reports have suggested that stepping down from the committee’s demanding leadership role could allow Oburu to devote more time to his responsibilities as ODM Party Leader ahead of the 2027 General Election. However, the senator did not cite party duties as the reason for his resignation, stating only that the circumstances were beyond his control.

The committee is expected to continue its legislative and oversight mandate under Kisang’s leadership while maintaining continuity in its ongoing work on Kenya’s energy sector.