Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has announced the endorsed expulsion of lawmakers over their association with President William Ruto.
The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) slated the expulsion of 5 MPs. These include Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Suba South’s Carol Omondi, Lang’ata’s Phelix Jalang’o, Bondo’s Gideon Ochanda and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda. This decision was made during a meeting held by the party on Wednesday, 6 September.
In addition to the expulsion, two other officials were charged with a fine of 1 million shillings each for facing similar charges. Uriri’s MP, Mark Nyamita and Rongo’s Paul Abuor, are the MPs charged with paying a fine. The two survived the expulsion after presenting their case before the party.
“They appeared before the disciplinary committee in person and offered an explanation,” an NEC statement said.
They have, however, been charged with a fine of Ksh 1 million due in two months and further directed to write an apology to ODM within seven days from today.
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Accusations to the MPs
The lawmakers were accused of not resigning from ODM despite their allegiance to Kenya Kwanza. The MPs facing the accusations have been seen publicly supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration instead of ODM, the party that got them into office.
“They are deemed to resign from the party. The party hereby, is directed to commence the process of removing them from the register of the party,” said the NEC.
They were accused of violating Article 11 (1) (e) of the party constitution and Section 14 A of the Political Parties Act 2011. Their public association and support of a rival political party violate the laws stated.
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Moreover, the NEC recommended the suspension of four Kisumu MCAs, Caroline Opar, Kennedy Ajwang, Peter Obaso and Regina Kizito. They are to be dropped for alleged gross misconduct. NEC accused them of supporting a candidate for the Kisumu Assembly Speaker against the party.
Before their dismissal, the lawmakers were sported showing support for the opposing party. The Azimio Coalition previously insisted on the MPs’ dismissals who defaulted from the parties that placed them in power. They advocated for fresh elections after they resigned from the party since they had changed their allegiance after getting into office.
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Their dismissal has sparked conversation among Kenyans with most supporting the decision made by the party. According to them, allegiance to one’s political party is paramount.
