Welcome back home, ODM tells ‘rebels’

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has extended an olive branch to party ‘rebels’ who had left the party.

Addressing the press after a meeting at the party headquarters in Nairobi, ODM Secretary General Ababu Namwamba said the Central Committee, mandated to deliberate on the issue, has resorted to offer amnesty to those who left the party.

“The Central Committee has resolved to declare a blanket amnesty for all former members who may have left the Party for one reason or another,” said Namwamba.

“You are all welcome back home to fully participate in the Party elections and activities.”

The Budalangi MP stated that the decision was reached in adherence to the provisions of the party’s Election and Nomination Rules Section 8 (d).

He hit out at the party’s detractors who had expected a disagreement over the issue saying there would be no “blood bath” over the matter.

“Those former members who may have contested any position on the ticket of other parties and now wish to seek leadership positions in ODM may apply to the Party National Elections Board (NEB) for clearance.”

Namwamba also revealed that the party had received a report on preparations for grassroots elections and was happy with the progress.

“Everything is on course. We remain the only party that holds elections and constantly tries to give the people a voice on the running of the party by deciding its leadership,” said Namwamba.

The party secretary general divulged the agenda for the party’s weekend retreat, saying a midterm review of the overall performance of the party is at the top of the list.

Namwamba further stated that is set to receive a report from their strategy team as part of the internal strategic planning.

The party was dealt a blow in June this year when Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama announced that he would be seeking re-election on a different part ticket during the 2017 elections.

Former Molo MP John Njenga also announced that he had ditched the party for TNA in December last year after failing to clinch the Nakuru County senate seat in the 2013 elections.

Several legislators including Lunga Lunga MP Khatib Mwashetani, Sirisia MP John Waluke, Tigania East MP Mpuri Aburi and his Igembe Central counterpart Kubai Iringo have also threatened to ditch the party in the past.

With the announcement, ODM seeks to solidify its hold in different parts of the country ahead of the next General Election.