Nominated Senator Tabitha Keroche has been removed from her position as Deputy Senate Majority Leader, with Senator Veronica Maina elected to replace her in a leadership shake-up within the Senate Majority Party.
The change was formally communicated to the Senate on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, by Speaker Amason Kingi through Communication from the Chair No. 050 of 2026.
In the communication, Kingi confirmed that the Majority Party had passed a resolution to remove Keroche from the position and elected Maina to serve as her replacement with immediate effect.
According to the Speaker, the decision followed correspondence dated November 3, 2026, from Senate Majority Whip David Wakoli, who notified his office of changes within the Majority Party leadership.
The letter was accompanied by minutes of a Majority Party meeting held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, documenting the proceedings and resolution, as well as a duly signed list of senators who supported the decision.
Kingi said he had reviewed and verified the correspondence and accompanying documents before formally communicating the leadership changes to the House.
The removal was effected in accordance with Standing Order 22(5) of the Senate, which provides that a senator elected to a majority party leadership position may be removed through a majority vote of all senators belonging to the Majority Party.
Standing Order 22(7) further requires that a decision by the Majority Party to remove an office holder be communicated to the Speaker in writing, accompanied by minutes of the meeting at which the resolution was reached.
The rules also outline the procedure for communicating the removal of the Deputy Senate Majority Leader, with the responsibility falling on the Senate Majority Whip.
In this case, Wakoli formally notified the Speaker of the party's decision, paving the way for the changes to be recognised in the Senate.
Maina's appointment takes effect immediately, meaning she assumes the responsibilities of Deputy Senate Majority Leader following the formal communication by the Speaker.
The leadership changes affect one of the key positions within the Senate Majority Party, which plays an important role in coordinating the party's legislative agenda and organising its business in the House.
The Speaker concluded his communication by informing senators that the Majority Party had effected the change in the office of the Deputy Senate Majority Leader in accordance with the Senate's Standing Orders.
The communication was dated Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and signed by Speaker Amason Kingi
