Elgeyo Marakwet Senator William Kisang has been elected the new Chairperson of the Senate Standing Committee on Energy, succeeding Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga.
Kisang was elected unopposed during a poll conducted on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Nominated Senator Beatrice Ogola was also elected unopposed as the new Vice-Chairperson.
The changes followed the resignation of Senator Oburu Oginga as chairperson of the committee on August 6, 2026. He remains a member of the committee.
Kisang, who previously served as the committee’s Vice-Chairperson, takes over leadership of the committee after Oburu’s departure from the chair.
Speaking after his election, Kisang thanked members for entrusting him with the leadership of the committee and pledged to build on the work of his predecessor.
“I want to thank members for the trust and confidence they have shown in my leadership,” Kisang said.
He acknowledged the challenge of succeeding Oburu, whom he described as a political giant who had significantly raised the profile of the committee.
“I know the task ahead is not an easy one, especially because I am stepping into the shoes of a political giant. Senator Oginga had elevated the stature of this Committee to a level that is hard to ignore, and I promise to maintain the tempo,” Kisang said.
The new chairperson also asked committee members to maintain consultations as they undertake their oversight responsibilities in the energy sector.
“I know your schedule going forward will be tough, but allow us to consult you when the need arises,” he told the committee.
Ogola, in her acceptance remarks, pledged to work with Kisang and continue with the agenda established by the outgoing leadership.
“I will continue working on the path you have established, bearing in mind the deep knowledge you have of the energy sector,” Ogola said.
She also urged Oburu to remain available to guide the committee despite his demanding schedule.
“As the Chair has said, it is my hope that you will remain around and regularly avail yourself to offer us guidance,” she added.
Oburu congratulated Kisang on his election and called on committee members to give him the same support they extended to him during his tenure.
“I will continue being a member of the Committee, and I promise to avail myself if and when required,” Oburu said.
Explaining his decision to resign, Oburu said the demands of his office had made it necessary for him to step aside as chairperson.
“I resigned willingly, and I am happy that I have facilitated a peaceful transfer of power. There was no coup,” he said.
Oburu also thanked committee members for their support during the two years he served as chairperson.
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