Court Blocks ODM From Expelling Jalang'o, 2 Others

The court also extended the temporary orders blocking ODM from expelling Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) and Tom Ojienda (Kisumu Senator).

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Sep 12, 2023 - 12:00
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Court Blocks ODM From Expelling Jalang'o, 2 Others
Lang'ata MP Jalang'o during a past address. /FILE

The Political Parties Dispute Tribunal on Tuesday, September 12 issued orders barring the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) from expelling Lang'ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor popularly known as Jalang’o.

The court also extended the temporary orders blocking ODM from expelling Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) and Tom Ojienda (Kisumu Senator).

Explaining the ruling, the court revealed that the orders were issued pending the hearing of a case filed on Monday challenging the trio’s expulsion over allegations of violating the party’s constitution.

President William Ruto meets Nyanza leaders at State House on February 7, 2023. /PCS

“In the interim and pending the hearing and determination of this Application, this Honourable Tribunal hereby issues interim conservatory orders staying the implementation and/or execution of the decision of the 1st Respondent to expel the Complainant/Applicant, Hon. Phelix Odiwuor Kodhe, from the Orange Democratic Movement Party,” read court papers.

The tribunal also barred the political outfit from removing the MPs from their Parliamentary committee roles. The case will be mentioned on September 20, 2023.

The 3 lawmakers were kicked out of the Raila Odinga-led party on the grounds of gross misconduct and disloyalty to the party.

Last week, the parliamentarians moved to the PPDT to challenge their ouster, seeking conservatory orders to stop ODM from kicking them out of the party.

They also wanted the tribunal to block the party from removing them from their various parliamentary committees.

Speaking during a radio show on Radio 47 on September 7, Jalang'o stated that ODM belongs to former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, and because he was yet to receive official communication from him, he would not leave the party.

"Who has kicked me out of the party? ODM belongs to Raila Odinga and if I have not received communication from him then it means I'm still in ODM," he said.

“Let me tell you, the Langata Member of Parliament until 2027 will be me, Phelix Odiwuor Jalang'o. Take this to the bank. No changes are happening."

Raila on his part defended the party's decision to expel the lawmakers, adding that the MPs were accused of betraying the political outfit as it relies on the discipline of its members to maintain its strength.

“ODM must be a strong party. The party can only be strong when there’s discipline. It cannot progress when there are cases of indiscipline,” he affirmed in a past statement.

Raila Odinga speaking at the fundraiser for Omobera SDA Primary School in Kisii County on September 10, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA

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