Karen Nyamu has been appointed as the vice chair of the influential Senate Committee on Land, Environment, and Natural Resources, stirring debate among citizens. Her appointment comes amid a broader reshuffle that has seen several senators lose key positions.

Nyamu was unanimously selected for the role alongside Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki, who will serve as the committee chair. Expressing her gratitude, she thanked her fellow committee members for their trust and pledged to work diligently to serve the public and uphold the committee’s mandate effectively.

However, the reshuffle has not been without controversy. Several lawmakers have voiced disapproval after being removed from their positions. Experts have suggested that these changes could be part of a targeted purge of politicians linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The removals include prominent figures like Senator John Methu Muhia of Nyandarua, who was ousted after serving two and a half years as chair of the Senate’s Lands, Environment, and Natural Resources Committee.

Several senators, including James Murango of Kirinyaga, Joe Nyutu of Murang’a, and Karungo Thang’wa of Kiambu, have been removed from key committees such as Agriculture, Education, and Roads and Transport. Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah has also been dismissed from his position in the Senate Public Accounts Committee.

The ongoing leadership reshuffle is reshaping the Senate, sparking speculation about the political motivations driving these changes.