The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party National Executive Committee (NEC) has fined Nairobi Woman Representative, Esther Passaris. She has been fined Ksh 250,000 for going against the Party’s position on the Finance Act 2023.
Passaris was among the 28 members of ODM who denied the Party’s decision and voted for the Bill on June 14, 2023. The controversial Finance Bill caused a disagreement between the ruling party and the opposition. Few ODM members opted against their party and voted for a bill the party was directly against.
NEC released a statement on Wednesday stating that Passaris should issue a written apology within seven days and pay the fine slated within sixty days.
The meeting was chaired by Azimio Coalition leader, Raila Odinga. The action against the Nairobi women’s representative was caused by her direct violation of the party’s constitution which states that the members should not ally with an opposing party.
The decision has been received with mixed reactions from Kenyans. Some support the harsh stance taken by the party, but others view it as weakening the institution.
The committee noted that it was taking action against the Members of Parliament who were associating with President William Ruto and Kenya Kwanza by extension.
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Other Decisions Made by the NEC
Five lawmakers were expelled from ODM after the NEC meeting. The five lawmakers include Elisha Odhiambo, Caroli Omondi, Gideon Ochanda, Fellix Odiwuor, and Tom Ojienda.
In addition to that, Paul Abuor and Mark Ogolla were fined Ksh 1 million to be paid within two months. The two were accused of similar offences but pardoned after they presented their case before the party.
The NEC mentioned that the decisions made were recommended by the disciplinary committee and enforced by them.
In June 2023, ODM stated that it would punish the party’s members who went against the wishes of the party. This was during the voting of the finance bill 2023 when the lawmakers voted for the enactment of the finance bill. According to ODM, the bill was termed as an imposition of punitive taxes on Kenyans.
Furthermore, the party resolved to punish the members absent from the debate including Babu Owino (Embakasi East MP) and John Mbadi.
Read Also: ODM Expels 5 MPs over Allying with Ruto
