Expelled ODM rebel legislators to remain in party longer

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has temporarily stopped the expulsion of ten Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rebels legislators over alleged party disloyalty.

This is after the lawyer representing nine of the ODM rebels, Kioko Kilikumi, appealed against the party’s National Governing Council move to reject their appeal against expulsion from the party.

Kilikumi argues that the ODM disciplinary committee failed to give the embattled members a fair hearing adding that the ODM National Executive Council which also ratified tier expulsion is not legally constituted.

The 10 who were expelled by ODM are Kwale Governor, Salim Mvurya, Kisii Deputy Governor, Joash Maangi, MPs Ababu Namwaba, Zainabu Chidzuga, Isaac Mwaura, Samuel Arama, Steven Kariuki, John Waluke, Masoud Mwahima and Nairobi MCA, Samuel Nyangwara.

The party, however, pardoned Governor Ukur Yatani and Igembe Central MP Kubai Iringo.

In October, ODM National Executive Committee approved a decision by the party organs to expel the members who had reportedly ditched the party for other political outfits, including Jubilee.

On his part, Kitutu Masaba MP Timothy Bosire inimated that he had warned members against double standards, saying those who had chosen to support ODM should be firmly rooted in the party.

“We cannot set out on a journey with people who have no stand and those who are untrustworthy. You are either with us or against us,” he said, adding: “Since we have a resolve to gather all and scatter none, those who wish to get back to the good books should go back to the grassroots and seek for forgiveness.”

The rebel who heeded disciplinary summons however decried the lack of internal democracy in the party and the shifting political landscape in the country.

In their defense, they also claimed they fear being rigged out or losing their re-election bids due to ODM alleged unpopularity in their regions.

The matter will be heard on the 15th of this month.

Additional reporting by Dzuya Walters