ODM rebels to lose seats as court upholds party decision

Ten politicians who ditched the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party for the ruling Jubilee Party are at risk of being struck off the political party’s membership register, thereby losing their seats, after the Political Parties Tribunal withheld a decision by ODM to expel them.

ODM accused the politicians for championing Jubilee Party interests while still holding to posts elected or appointed through the party.

The leaders challenged their expulsion at the political parties tribunal arguing that they acted within provisions of political parties act.

The expelled politicians include; Kwale County governor Salim Mvurya, Mathare MP Steven Kariuki, Nominated MP Isaac Mwaura and Kilifi North MP Gideon Mung’aro.

Former ODM Secretary General Ababu Namwamba, Kisii County deputy governor Joash Maangi, MPs Zainab Chidzuga (Kwale), Samwel Arama (Nakuru Town West), Masoud Mwahima (Likoni), John Waluke (Sirisia) and Viwandani MCA Samwel Nyangwara also find themselves in trouble for ditching the orange party.

The leaders, however, retain the right to appeal their expulsion at the High Court.