A first-time Member of Parliament has been elected chairman of a parliamentary watchdog committee.

Igembe South MP Mithika Linturi (Kanu) will chair the Public Investment Committee (PIC) after he was elected unopposed by committee members.

Former Cabinet minister and now Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo is the new vice chairman.

Also interested in the seat were Mr Jirongo (Lugari) and Mr Ephraim Maina (Mathira), who later stepped aside for Mr Linturi.

Mr Jirongo is the chairman of Kaddu. He ousted former Health Assistant minister, Dr Enock Kibunguchy during the last Generral Election.

Kaddu is the only parliamentary party that has not joined the Grand Coalition Government.

Mr Jirongo is angling to become the leader of the Official Opposition, a feat he can achieve if a motion to debate the issue sails through the House on Wednesday.

The coalition partners are PNU, ODM, Kanu, ODM-K, Safina, Narc and Narc Kenya among others.

Members of the other watchdog committee,the Public Accounts Committee, elected Ikolomani MP Dr Bonny Khalwale the new chairperson. Wundanyi MP Thomas Mwadeghu was elected his deputy.

Their counterparts in the finance committee are expected to meet and elect their leaders on Wednesday. The position has attracted two candidates- Nominated MP Musikari Komba and Nambale MP Chris Okemo.

Additional reporting by Anthony Kariuki