Tribunal bars Ababu Namwamba from representing Labour Party

The Political Parties Dispute Tribunal on Tuesday, February 28 restrained Budalang’i Member of Parliament, Ababu Namwamba, from representing or holding himself as leader of member of the Labour Party of Kenya pending hearing and determination of a suit challenging his leadership of the party.

This comes after a petition was filed with the Tribunal by a Mr John Barasa Makokha who wants Namwamba disowned for fear he could enter into a political alignment with rival parties ahead of the August General Election.

In a quick rejoinder, however, Labour Party Chairperson, Prof Julia Ojiambo, distanced the party from the petition saying it has not been sanctioned by the Labour Party organs.

In a statement to newsrooms, the party further indicated that no case, suit or complaint can be filed without a resolution of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the party.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Labour Party has full confidence in Honorable Ababu Namwamba EGH, MP and the attempts to misuse the good name of our party and to besmirch the character of our leaders should be dealt with the contempt it deserves,” read the statement in part.

This comes at a time when Namwamba is scheduled to lead a Women Convention of the Party in Eldoret starting Wednesday, March 1, 2017.

The Party has since maintained that those plans are on course.