Nominated Senator Veronica Maina has taken over as Deputy Senate Majority Leader following the removal of Nakuru Senator Tabitha Karanja Keroche in a leadership change announced by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi on Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

Kingi formally communicated the changes to senators after receiving notification from Senate Majority Whip David Wakoli, confirming that the decision had been approved by the Senate Majority Party.

The resolution was reached during a Majority Party meeting held on Tuesday, November 3, where senators voted to remove Keroche and elected Maina as her replacement.

In his communication to the House, Kingi said he had verified the documents submitted, including the meeting minutes and a signed list of senators supporting the changes.

The Speaker confirmed that Maina's appointment takes effect immediately under Standing Order 22(6) of the Senate Standing Orders.

The leadership changes come weeks after Keroche announced her departure from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to join former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).

On October 9, the Nakuru Senator declared her intention to contest the Nakuru gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election on a DCP ticket.

Her political shift has placed her on a collision course with incumbent Governor Susan Kihika, who is associated with the ruling UDA party.

Despite losing the Senate leadership position, Keroche remains the elected Senator representing Nakuru County.

Maina will now deputise Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot in coordinating the ruling coalition's legislative business in the House.

The development signals growing political realignments within the ruling coalition as leaders reposition themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.