Broad-Based Govt Takes Shape as ODM’s Tindi Mwale Elected Chair of National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee » Capital News
NAIROBI, Kenya Mar 12 – Butere MP Tindi Mwale has been elected as the new Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) after securing nine votes against Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo’s six in a closely contested race.
Mwale, who previously served as the committee’s Vice Chairperson, takes over from nominated MP John Mbadi, who vacated the position in July 2024 following his appointment as Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Planning.
The election unfolded amid shifting political dynamics, particularly the broad-based government arrangement fostering closer collaboration between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
With the PAC chairmanship reserved for the opposition, ODM had initially fronted Mwale as its preferred candidate. However, a faction within the coalition backed Amollo as an alternative, leading to a competitive vote.
A similar contest played out in the election for Vice Chairperson, where Garissa Woman Representative Amina Siyad Udgoon defeated Funyula MP Dr. Wilberforce Oundo, securing 11 votes against Oundo’s four.
In his acceptance speech, Mwale thanked committee members for their trust and vowed to strengthen PAC’s oversight role in ensuring accountability in government expenditure.
“On November 3, 2022, we convened in Room 9 of Parliament and elected Hon. John Mbadi as Chairperson, with myself as his deputy. I recall saying then that leadership in this committee is not about titles but about our collective responsibility to uphold accountability,” Mwale stated.
He emphasized PAC’s critical role in ensuring transparency, efficiency, and the prudent use of public resources.
“We have worked together over the past six months reviewing audited financial statements. Now that the committee is fully constituted, we have the opportunity to be more vibrant, ensuring that accounting officers uphold transparency and efficiency in public spending,” he added.
Udgoon, in her acceptance speech, expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in her, underscoring the significance of her election as a woman in a key oversight role.
“I am truly honored by the trust you have placed in me. It is remarkable that, as a woman, I have risen to this leadership position within PAC. I promise to serve diligently and with the utmost respect for the role entrusted to me,” she said.
Having served as a PAC member for the past two years, Udgoon emphasized the need to strengthen parliamentary oversight and hold government institutions accountable.
“When I first joined this committee, I was the only woman. Today, I have been elected Vice Chair, and I deeply appreciate this milestone. I will work closely with the Chair and all members to ensure we deliver on our mandate,” she noted.