Nairobi — Igembe South MP Mr Mithika Linturi has been elected the chairman of the powerful Public Investments Committee (PIC), a parliamentary watchdog.

The new chairman of the equally powerful Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that audits Government's spending is Ikolomani MP, Mr Bonny Khalwalwe.

Members of the Finance, Planning and Trade committee did not pick a chairman and are expected to conduct the elections this morning at Parliament Buildings.

Several MPs, among them Chris Okemo (former Finance minister), Musikari Kombo (formerly of Local Government) and Tharaka MP Mburi Muiru are eyeing the chairmanship.

The Finance Committee investigates matters in the ministries of Finance, Planning and Trade.

Linturi, a newcomer to Parliament, and Khalwale, a former assistant minister, were elected at Parliament Buildings.

Normally, PIC and PAC chairs are picked from the Official Opposition, which does not exist in the current Parliament after a grand coalition deal was struck on February 28.

The previous chairman of PAC was Gatundu South MP, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta, who was the Leader of the Official Opposition in the last Parliament, while the Opposition Whip Justin Muturi chaired PIC.

MPs in the committee are drawn from across party lines and used their personal charm to win support, as there were no parties backing them.

Tuesday's elections were held after intense lobbying with several MPs expressing interest in leading the watchdog committees.

Two MPs, Mr Cyrus Jirongo (Lugari), and Mr Ephraim Maina (Mathira), had thrown their hats into the ring, aiming to clinch the PIC chairmanship, but were beaten.

Linturi had earlier predicted that he would easily clinch the chairmanship and denied reports linking him to past PIC reports.

After his election, he said he would continue with his efforts to restore the credibility, integrity and morality of public officers.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) had questioned the composition and credibility of PIC and PAC, following reports that the same parliamentary watchdogs had reprimanded some of the new members.

LSK warned that there was a likelihood of conflict of interest if some of the MPs were allowed to chair the committees.