Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has been unanimously elected vice chairperson of the Senate County Public Accounts Committee (CPAC) following a reconstitution of Senate committees approved by the House earlier this week. The appointment came after the Senate Business Committee proposed changes to committee membership, which were adopted in accordance with Senate Standing Orders.
Cherargei replaces Taita Taveta Senator Johnes Mwaruma, who was reassigned to the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee as part of the wider reshuffle. Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang retained his position as chairperson of CPAC, a key oversight body mandated to examine Auditor-General reports on county government financial statements and ensure accountability in the use of public funds.
Speaking after his election on Thursday, Cherargei pledged to collaborate closely with committee members to strengthen oversight of devolved units. “I want to assure members that we will work together to ensure we properly perform our role of checking county governments,” he said.
Kajwang welcomed his deputy’s return, expressing confidence that the leadership would continue to enhance accountability at the county level. “I am happy to have you back again as my vice chairperson. Let us work for the people,” Kajwang said.
The committee also gained two new members: Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo and Lamu Senator Joseph Githuku. They take the places of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Mwaruma, both transferred to other committees under the same reconstitution. Sifuna, who was previously removed from the Senate Energy Committee in an earlier shake-up, has now exited CPAC as well.
The latest reorganization reflects a broader realignment of Senate committees that has seen several lawmakers moved across oversight and standing committees. The changes bring fresh faces into one of the Senate’s most critical watchdog panels, which plays a central role in scrutinizing county expenditure and upholding fiscal transparency across Kenya’s 47 devolved governments.