The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party through its National Executive Committee (NEC) has approved the expulsion of members affiliated with President William Ruto.
ODM NEC members in a meeting on Wednesday, September 6, sanctioned the move to purge the MPs following a protracted wrangle pitting them agaisnt the party’s leadership.
The five namely Felix Odiwuor Jalang’o (Lang’ata), Tom Ojienda (Kisumu), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) Caroli Omondi (Suba South), and Gideon Ochada (Bondo) were accused of gross misconduct and defying the party’s position.
“The NEC has resolved to expelled from the party Hon. Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Sen. Tom Ojienda (Kisumu), Hon. Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Hon. Felix Odiwuor (Lang’ata) and Hon. Caroli Omondi (Suba South) for defying party position and gross misconduct,” a statement from the party read.
Also Read: Birthday Party Reunites Jalang’o and Raila
At the same time, the party made a decision to fine MPs Paul Abuor (Rongo) and Mark Nyamita of Uriri a sum of Ksh 1 million each.
The two were spared from expulsion after explaining the reasons for their actions in-person before the disciplinary committee.
However, they will be required to pay the amount within sixty days.
In addition to expulsion of the five MPs, the party also fined Nairobi Woman Representative Ksh250,00o for supporting the controversial Finance Bill in parliament.
Also affected by the ODM’s purge on rebel members are four Members of County Assembly (MCAs) from Kisumu County who saw their nominations revoked on allegations of gross misconduct.
Speaking while announcing the decision in Nairobi, ODM Chairman John Mbadi stated that the party had since commenced the process of deleting the expelled members from their register.
Also Read: Jalang’o Breaks Silence on His Future in ODM, Sends Raila a Message
Risk of Losing Seat
Following the decision, the five MPs now risk losing their seats. According to article 103 of the constitution, a parliamentary seat becomes vacant once a member elected as member of a political party resigns or is deemed to have resigned from the party.
However, the MPs have the right to seek redress through the mechanisms provided for in the law.
The feud between Jalang’o and his once-close ally Raila Odinga commenced in February 2023 after the Lang’ata legislator joined a group of Azimio-elected leaders to meet President William Ruto at State House.
The move was not received well by Odinga who was at the time opposed to the results of the August 2022 elections made Ruto the President.
