The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has received a letter calling for expulsion of Turkana Governor Jeremiah Napotikan Lomorukai from the party.
In a statement, ODM said it will take necessary steps to address the issues raised by Mr. Gad Aguko of Aguko Osman and Company Advocates against Governor Lomorukai.
“The Party is in receipt of this letter calling for the expulsion of the Governor of Turkana Jeremiah Napotikan Lomorukai from the party. Necessary action shall be taken in accordance with the constitution of the party and the relevant laws that govern political parties,” said ODM.
In the letter, Aguko called for deregistration of the governor for switching allegiance to United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party leader President William Ruto.
“On Thursday October 12, 2023, while attending the official opening of the Turkana Cultural and Tourism Festival Tobonglore’ in Lodwar, the above-mentioned subject, His Excellency the Governor of Turkana Hon. Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai made remarks to the effect of declaring his allegiance and support to the party leader of UDA whose ideologies, interests and policies are not ODM party through which he was elected to the position he holds to date,” read the statement in part.
Further, the said remarks by Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai were made with the intention of subjecting both the ODM party Raila Odinga into ridicule, embarrassment, anxiety, and disgust.
“Mr. Jeremiah Lomorukai even proceeded to declare that he was going to rally all voters of Turkana Party to vote in favour of the UDA party leader William Ruto to ensure the latter rules Kenya as the President for 14 years which is in contravention presidential term limits as provided under Article 136(2) as read with 142 of the Constitution of Kenya,” said Aguko.
Additionally, Aguko said Lomorukai’s actions and utterances are also blatant and arrogant violations of the Party Constitution and Section 14A (1) (c) & (e) of the Political Parties Act No. 11 of 2012 of the Laws of Kenya.
Political Parties Act
14A. When a member may be deemed to have resigned from a political party
(1) A person who, while being a member of a political party shall be deemed to have resigned from that party if that person-
(2) joins another political party:
(3) promotes the ideology, interests or policies of another
“Consequently, and because of the conduct of Hon. Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai which we consider amounts to a resignation, this is to humbly request you to immediately proceed and initiate the process of striking out his name from the party members register in accordance with these provisions,” said Aguko.
In addition, Aguko asked the party organs to take necessary disciplinary actions against the governor within seven days if found guilty of the listed accusations.
“In this event and should the 7 days’ notice period lapse without any action from your respective offices, this letter shall serve as the official complaint against the said individuals as envisioned under Article 8.4.1 of the ODM Party Constitution the same having been served upon the Disciplinary Committee,” read the statement.
Moreover, Aguko explained that Lomorukai should be removed from any leadership positions and/or committee held within the ODM party since he no longer subscribes to its ideologies.
Also Read: ODM Governor Splashes Ksh350K on Advert to Praise Ruto
Governor Remarks on ODM
On Saturday, October 15, Lomorukai dared Raila Odinga to summon him over his decision to support Ruto’s government.
Speaking during the final day of the Tobong’u Lore Festival in Turkana, the ODM Governor maintained that he had the right to associate with the government despite having been elected on an ODM ticket.
According to him, the region’s leaders have resolved to work with the government in a move aimed at driving development and prosperity.
Further, the Governor maintained that he was not moved by threats from the party to take disciplinary action against him.
“Who told you if I am elected on your party (ODM) I have to invite you to every function. You can’t fire me, my position is provided for in the law,” the Governor remarked.
What’s more the governor warned Odinga against planning political activities in the county behind his back.
Raila Turkana Chaos
Governor Lomorukai’’s sentiments came after Odinga and his Azimio la Umoja compatriots were whisked to safety after the rowdy group disrupted the Tobong’u Lore Festival which he attended on Friday, October 13.
In a subsequent speech, the former Prime Minister blamed the chaos on Governor Lomorukai.
He accused Lomurukai of planning to ensure that he does not speak at the function.
“The governor of course was saying that he was not aware, but he was very aware. And I know that he gave assurances to Ruto that he will not allow us to speak here today,” Odinga said shortly after leaving the dais on Friday.
Also Read: Raila Flees After Crowd Confronted Him
Lomorukai Praises Ruto
Governor Lomorukai previolsy spent over Ksh300,000 on a newspaper advert to praise President Ruto following his speech at the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA in New York.
In the advert, the governor lauded Ruto on his speech at UNGA and on the diplomatic ties set between Haiti and Kenya.
He directly addressed President Ruto lauding the Government of Kenya on its prompt move as the first nation to lead the humanitarian Mission in Haiti.
“I write this note to laud the Government of the Republic of Kenya’s prompt move as the first Nation to lead the Humanitarian Mission in Haiti, the second oldest republic in the Western Hemisphere” The letter addressed to the President read in part.
Furthermore, the governor noted that in Ruto’s address at UNGA, the United States President Joe Biden acknowledged President Ruto and Kenya for demonstrated unequivocal willingness to serve as the lead nation of a United Nation backed security support mission.
