ODM Kicks Out Jalang'o

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has resolved to expel Lang'ata Member of Parliament (MP) Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o and four others who have been associating with President William Ruto.

The Raila Odinga-led party's National Executive Committee (NEC) adopted a report on the expulsion of Jalang'o alongside MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo) and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.

They are now deemed to have resigned and the party should take the necessary action.

"Members facing allegations of violation of Article 11 (1) (e) of the party constitution and section 14A of the Political Parties Act 2011 by openly associating with and supporting activities of a rival political party and opposed lawful decisions/resolutions made by the party organs, be deemed to have resigned from the party. 

"The party is hereby directed to commence the process of removing them from the register of the party," stated ODM Chairman John Mbadi.

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.

"That the report of the Disciplinary Committee which has been looking into the conduct of some members of the party, elected and nominated on the party ticket be adopted but with amendments. The NEC recommended the revocation of the nomination of four Members of the County Assembly of Kisumu for gross misconduct," the NEC resolved.

The meeting convened by Raila himself is coming almost a month since the renegade members appeared before the Sihanya-led committee to defend themselves from the accusations of gross misconduct.

According to the ODM constitution, a disciplinary process can lead to either reprimanding the member, censuring or fining the member.

Mbadi also announced that MPs Mark Nyamita (Uriri) and Paul Abuor (Rongo) should 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 Sh250,000 which should be paid within 60 days."

Passaris was among 28 members of the Orange Democratic Movement who defied the party and voted for the Bill on June 14. During the voting, 176 MPs supported the Finance Bill in its Second Reading and only 81 opposed it.