Ezekiel Mutua Reacts To ODM Expulsion Of Jalang'o, 4 Others

Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ezekiel Mutua on Wednesday, September 6 criticised the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party over its resolution to kick out Lang'ata Member of Parliament (MP) Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o and four others who have been associating with President William Ruto.

In a tweet, the infamous 'moral cop' accused the Raila Odinga-led party of undermining democracy by deciding to punish lawmakers who committed to working with the Kenya Kwanza government.

Mutua also opined that ODM was frustrating those who disagreed with its values despite being known for championing freedom of expression.

"The expulsion of ODM MPs working with the Government is wrong and undermines democracy.

"It's a contradiction in terms to talk of freedom of expression when one cannot tolerate dissent. Sad to see people like Kabando Wa Kabando who claim to be social democrats support the injustice," he hit out.

Kabando, a former Mukuruweini MP, believed that ODM made the right decision by expelling lawmakers who defected to Ruto's camp and were elected on the party ticket during the 2022 general elections, adding that the MPs must now focus on seeking re-election to their seats.

"Expulsion of MPs elected on ODM Party for defecting to Ruto's "state house" UDA is timely & right. If your politics is in conflict with the party that sponsored you, quit to face a by-election. To anchor multiparty democracy, political cannibalism and opportunism must end," he tweeted.

Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, among the five perceived rebel party members shown the door by the political outfit’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Wednesday, stated that he does not feel any regret aligning with the government of the day, and will continue to do so despite being kicked out by the opposition party on whose ticket he clinched the Senate seat.

Jalang'o on his part chose to react to his ouster with a Bible quote, and a presumably symbolic photo of himself carrying an evidence box to court during the opposition Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party’s presidential election petition at the Supreme Court.

“No trial is too heavy to lift! No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, so that you may be able to endure it. Corinthians 10:13.”

Jalang'o and Ojienda were expelled alongside MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), and Caroli Omondi (Suba South).

The ousted leaders were accused of violating the ODM party Constitution and the Political Parties Act 2011 by openly associating with and supporting activities of a rival political outfit, as well as opposing lawful decisions made by party organs.

The NEC meeting also saw four Members of the County Assembly kicked out over gross misconduct. They included Carolyne Opar, Kennedy Ojwang, Peter Obaso and Regina Kizito.

MPs Mark Nyamita (Uriri) and Paul Abuor (Rongo) were demanded to write an apology to the party and pay a Ksh1 million fine after the duo appeared before the Disciplinary Committee in person, offering explanations considered by the committee which saved them from expulsion.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris was reprimanded for openly defying the party's position on the punitive Finance Act 2023 by voting in its favour.

"That Esther Passaris, the Woman MP for Nairobi County be reprimanded for her outright defiance of the party position on the punitive Finance Bill 2023 and that she should issue a written apology to the party within seven days," the party resolved.

"On top of this, Passaris should be fined Ksh250,000 which should be paid within 60 days."

Jalang'o carrying a box containing Azimio la Umoja's presidential petition at the Supreme Court. /JALANG'O MWENYEWE