Azimio La Umoja has dropped Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the Minority deputy whip in the changes made to the coalition’s Senate leadership lineup.
Sifuna has been replaced by Narok Senator Olekina Ledama.
The move is meant to quell power wars that had threatened to sink Azimio ship in the bicameral Parliament.
Sifuna told the Star on Tuesday that he has relinquished his position to Olekina who will now deputise Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo.
Olekina, a second-term senator, had protested what he termed as a raw deal in the Azimio leadership lineup that elevated newcomers over seasoned lawmakers.
The lawmaker had threatened to fight for his right share in the coalition that he claimed he had sacrificed for.
“It’s about time we demand what is ours. Enough of always being kept in arms' way while others chill in their cribs and are rewarded with the lion's share of party positions,” Olekina said then.
The Star has established that it is the threats that made Azimio rescind its Senate leadership decision and include Olekina.
In the initial lineup, the coalition settled on Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo as the Minority leader to be deputised by Kitui Senator Enock Wambua.
Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo was the Chief minority whip and was to be deputised by Sifuna but now Olekina.
Apart from the senate leadership, there was also lamentation in the National Assembly leadership with former Minority leader John Mbadi protesting and accusing the coalition's top leadership of being shortchanged.
The nominated MP later embraced the new team and settled for the Public Accounts Chairman offered by the coalition.
Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi is the Azimio Majority leader to be deputised by Kathiani MP Robert Mbui.
Suna East MP Junet Mohammed was named the Chief whip with nominated MP Sabina Chege as his deputy.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris
