It's a record! I'm first Nyanza MP to chair Budget Committee - Atandi

The Alego Usonga MP said his election is a big milestone never witnessed since independence.

by EMMANUEL WANJALA

Realtime12 March 2025 - 14:44

In Summary

Atandi was elected unopposed to succeed Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro who opted not to defend the seat.
He attributed his swift ascenssion to the powerful committee unopposed to President William Ruto's commitment to reunite the country by ensuring the government has a national outlook.

Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi has welcomed his election as the chairman of the National Assembly's Budget and Appropriation Committee with excitement, saying it's a record-breaking feat since Kenya's independence.

Atandi was elected unopposed to succeed Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, who opted not to defend the seat.

In his acceptance speech, Atandi first expressed gratitude to God, then thanked his party leader Raila Odinga and President William Ruto for establishing the broad-based government that has seen opposition MPs appointed in senior positions.

"The President has continued to do things that have continued to confound many Kenyans," he said.

"Hon Speaker, during the burial of Gen Ogolla, you were present when I challenged the President that there are certain positions in this country that have never been held by members of certain communities. Today we have the Cabinet Secretary for Finance being the Hon John Mbadi. That is a big milestone, Hon Speaker," he added.

"Something that has never happened since independence. Hon Speaker today, again, I break the record as the first man from that region (Nyanza) to chair the Budget and Appropriations Committee. Hon Speaker, this is a very big milestone," he reiterated.

Atandi attributed his swift ascenssion to the powerful committee unopposed to President William Ruto's commitment to reunite the country by ensuring the government has a national outlook.

He further commended the leader of the minority in the National Assembly Junet Mohamed, for demonstrating good leadership within the ODM party inside the House, a move he said largely contributed to his election.

"Let me confess, Hon Speaker, that Junet is the one who reorganises our Azimio side, and for me to sit here, it's the confidence that Hon Junet has in me that has allowed me to chair this committee."

Atandi acknowledged that the position is a demanding responsibility but pledged to ensure fair distribution of resources.