Speaker Kingi Announces Replacement of Tabitha Karanja as Deputy Majority Leader

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi has announced changes to the Senate Majority Party leadership, confirming the removal of Senator Tabitha Karanja as Deputy Senate Majority Leader and the nomination of Senator Veronica Maina to replace her.

Speaking on Wednesday, November 4, Kingi said the development followed correspondence received from Senate Majority Whip, Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, communicating the majority party's decision to change its leadership.

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Kingi explained that the correspondence was accompanied by documents detailing the party's decision and demonstrating support for the changes.

"Honorable Senators, by the letter dated 3rd of November 2026, I received correspondence from the Senate Majority Whip, Senator David Wakoli, regarding changes in the majority party leadership affecting the office of the Deputy Senate Majority Leader," he said.

Kingi further disclosed that the documents submitted by the Majority Whip included minutes of a meeting held by the majority party and a list of senators who supported the resolution.

"The said letter from the Senate Majority Whip was accompanied by the following documents: one, the minutes of the majority party meeting dated Tuesday, 3rd of November 2026, which is a record of the proceedings of the meeting together with the resolutions; and two, a duly signed list of senators in support of the resolution," he added.

Kingi confirmed that the majority party had resolved to remove Karanja from the position and had formally proposed Maina as her replacement.

"The correspondence and the attached minutes indicate that a resolution was passed by the majority party to remove the Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Senator Tabitha. 

"The letter of the Majority Whip further informs my office that the majority party has submitted elected Senator Veronica Maina, CBS, MP, to serve as Deputy Senate Majority Leader in accordance," he further said.

This comes months after Luanda MP Dick Maungu took over as the chairperson of the National Assembly's Public Investments Committee on Education and Governance, following the removal of Bumula MP Jack Wamboka from the leadership position.

Maungu secured the position unopposed during a committee session held at Parliament Buildings on Thursday, June 4.

His nomination was moved by Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje and supported by Igembe Central MP Daniel Kariitho.

Speaking after assuming office, Maungu thanked fellow committee members for backing his leadership and committed to fostering teamwork, accountability, and openness within the committee.

"I thank you for the confidence you have shown in me. I promise that together we shall work for the betterment of our country," he said.

The newly elected chairperson also emphasized the importance of unity among committee members as they undertake their oversight responsibilities.

"We are one team and one people. We shall work together to ensure we achieve our objectives, while epitomising transparency in all our undertakings," he added.

At the same time, Maungu acknowledged the demanding task ahead, noting that the committee faces a substantial workload and must address pending reports and audits before the year ends.

"We have a huge volume of work before us. We shall develop a clear plan to navigate the backlog and ensure we remain available to discharge our duties effectively," he further said.