By Joshua Cheloti

Kericho Senator Aaron Cheruiyot has been confirmed as the new Senate leader of the majority.

Senate Speaker Amason Jefa Kingi confirmed Cheruiyot’s appointment during the Tuesday, October 4, 2022, Senate session.

The senator recently re-elected for a second term was nominated to the position by the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party.

UDA enjoys the majority of elected and nominated Senators, followed by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

While communicating the new Senate leadership lineup, Kingi also confirmed Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja as Cheruiyot’s deputy.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale was confirmed as the Majority Whip deputized by his Samburu counterpart Steve Lelegwe.

All the Senate leadership for the majority was handed to the UDA party.

For the leader of the minority in the Senate, Kilifi Senator Steward Madzayo was handed the position.

Madzayo is elected to an ODM party and will be deputized by Enoch Wambua of Kitui. Wambua is a Wiper party Senator.

The Minority whip seat was handed to Isiolo Senator Fatuma Dullo and will be deputized by her Narok counterpart Ledama Olekina.

Dullo was re-elected in the August 9 poll on a Jubilee party ticket while Olekina is an ODM loyalist.

Unlike Kenya Kwanza, Azimio shared the Senate leadership positions amongst its main member parties – with ODM, Jubilee and Wiper getting a share.

Confirmation of the Senate leadership now paves way for the formation of the House Business Committee – a key structure for the day-to-day running of the Senate activities.

Once the House Business Committee is formed, the next business will be the setting up of the various committees.

With Kenya Kwanza enjoying the majority, most of the committee chairperson and vice chairpersons will be allocated to Senators allied to them.

However, the Public Accounts and Investment Committee (PAIC) is usually allocated to the minority in the House.