Kenya, March 13 -- Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse has shared his disappointment and frustration. He believed he would become the chairperson of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee because he led the effort to impeach former Deputy President Rigathi "Riggy G" Gachagua. Instead, the position went to Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi.

Mutuse drew attention when he successfully led the impeachment motion against Gachagua in October 2024. Today, he spoke out, feeling betrayed by the Kenya Kwanza government.

"I was promised I'd take over from Ndindi Nyoro after delivering on the impeachment. I took a big risk, and now I'm left without anything," Mutuse said.

After the recent parliamentary elections, he added, "Sam Atandi wasn't even part of the plans-how did this happen?"

The Budget and Appropriations Committee is a very important part of Parliament. This week, Atandi, who is a supporter of opposition leader Raila Odinga, was elected without any competition to take over from Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.

Nyoro is a close ally of President William Ruto and did not defend his position or show up for the election meeting, which has led to rumours of secret agreements.

Atandi's rise to the committee is seen as a result of a broader agreement between Ruto and Odinga, leaving Mutuse feeling sidelined even after playing a key role in Gachagua's removal.

People close to Mutuse say he had been trying to get this position for months, even visitingthe State House to get support from Ruto.

"He was told it was his reward for impeaching Riggy G, but now it seems those promises meant nothing," an aide shared confidentially. This aide mentioned that Mutuse feels "used and thrown aside" by a government he helped change.

The changes in parliamentary committees have caused accusations of political manoeuvring. Some believe the moves aim to weaken leaders from Mount Kenya, like Nyoro, who did not vote for the impeachment.

Murang'a Senator Joe Nyutu described it as a "strategic purge" to reduce the region's power, a feeling that Mutuse's complaints highlight. "I worked hard for them, but they have done nothing for me," Mutuse said.

"He was a pawn in a bigger game. Impeaching Gachagua was supposed to help him, but things changed quickly," said analyst Jane Wambui from Nairobi. "This shows how promises can disappear when political alliances shift."

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.