The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) led by Raila Odinga has initiated the process to recall six Members of Parliament (MPs).
In a statement, ODM Secretary Edwin Sifuna said the MPs have violated their oath of office by voting in favor of the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
The MPs are Elisha Ochieng (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Memusi Kanchory (Kajiado Central), Bernard Shinali (Ikolomani) and Caroli Omondi (Suba South).
“That the ODM Party shall initiate and lead recall processes in the following constituencies in light of the current office holders repeated violation of their sacred oath and the wishes of the electorate. Gem, Bondo, Navakholo, Kajiado Central, Ikolomani and Suba South,” ODM said.
Sifuna said ODM was founded on the tenets of social justice and will walk the journey of bringing about justice and accountability for all the regimes crimes since taking power.
ODM pledged to stand with the people in their quest to liberate themselves politically, socially and economically.
Sifuna said 73 of the 115 Members of the National Assembly who voted against the Bill were members of ODM.
The Party applauded the MPs and thanked them for being true representatives of the people.
“Kenyans asked us to stand with them against the punitive tax proposals in the Finance Bill and we did. Sadly, a few of our members went against the wishes of the people and sided with the oppressor,” ODM said.
ODM Advise to Politicians
The Opposition party asked the political leadership to listen to what the people are saying and not their own voices.
ODM explained that the youth have spoken in plain language that should be clear to everyone.
“Let’s not be vague, let us just do what the young people are telling the government to do,” said the party.
“We consider this to be Kenya’s last best chance. The youth have given our country our last best chance. We either seize it and swim with it by implementing all their demands, or we ignore it and sink the country altogether.”
Also Read: KNCHR Releases New Report on Deaths in Anti-Govt Protests
Govt Responsible for Deaths, Injuries & Looting
Additionally, the party said the government must take full responsibility for all the deaths, injuries and destruction of property arising from the violent suppression of peaceful protests.
ODM asked President William Ruto must account for and order the release of all detainees abducted by the security agencies.
“The President must publicly direct his security organs to forthwith cease the ongoing abductions; an exercise we believe is being undertaken with the full approval of the State,” the Party said.
Also Read: Atheists Issue Fresh Demands for Ruto – GenZ Talks Including Public Holiday
IPOA Investigations
Besides, the party demanded the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to expedite investigations into all deaths and shooting incidents, including allegations of mass murder by police in Githurai and Rongai.
“We were shocked to watch the president claim live on television that only one life was lost. It tells you how out of touch he is with the reality,” ODM added.
The Party said the incidents that happened on June 25 amounted to a vote of no confidence in the government.
ODM criticized Ruto for threatening to cut funding for the Judiciary and the County Governments instead of focusing on cutting wastage, opulence and corruption in his regime.
Executive & Parliament
Further, the party pledged to support credible austerity measures in the executive and parliament.
ODM said the two institutions must have an honest introspection on their contribution to the current crisis and take measures to lessen the taxpayers’ burden.
“As a party funded by the taxpayer, we will be taking steps to scale down our presence and activities,” ODM said.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
