ODM Responds To Pressure To Expel Turkana Governor
Lomorukai dumped ODM led by Raila Odinga to work with and campaign for President Ruto in favour of UDA which is the main party of the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
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The Orange Democratic Party (ODM) has confirmed receiving a letter calling for the expulsion of Turkana Governor Jeremiah Napotikan Lomorukai over his newfound links with President William Ruto.
In a statement signed by advocate Abdikadir Osman, Gad Aguko an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, complained that the governor made his remarks to the effect of declaring his allegiance and support to President Ruto during the official opening of the Turkana Cultural and Tourism Festival 'Tobonglore' in Lodwar.
Aguko underscored that the ideologies, interests and policies of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, which the Head of State happens to be a party leader, do not reflect those of ODM, the party which aided his election to the top county seat.
President William Ruto speaking during the Turkana Cultural and Tourism Festival in Lodwar Town on October 12, 2023. /PCS
“The said remarks by His Excellency the Governor of Turkana Hon. Jeremiah Ekamais Lomorukai were made with the intention of subjecting both the ODM party and our Party Leader. H. E. Hon. Raila Odinga into ridicule, embarrassment, anxiety and disgust,” read the letter in part dated October 18.
Condemning the governor for his remarks boldly proclaiming he decamped to UDA, Aguko noted that the statements were made with the intention of exposing both the ODM party and its leader Raila Odinga to ridicule and embarrassment.
"His said actions and utterances amount not only to a total disregard for Article 136(2) as read with 142 of the Constitution of Kenya on presidential term limits but also blatant and arrogant violations of the Party Constitution," the advocate stated.
To that end, the advocate called for the governor's name to be deregistered from the Party Members Register and further disciplinary action be taken against him.
"In this event, and should the 7 day' notice period lapse without any action from your respective offices, this letter shall serve as the official complaint against the said individuals as envisioned under Article 8.4.1 of the Orange Democratic Movement party Constitution the same having been served upon the Disciplinary Committee."
The party on its part confirmed receiving the letter calling for Lomorukai's expulsion from the party.
“Necessary action shall be taken in accordance with the constitution of the party and the relevant laws that govern political parties,” ODM stated.
Lomorukai dumped ODM led by Raila Odinga to work with and campaign for President Ruto in favour of UDA which is the main party of the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
According to the governor, he switched camps despite facing threats from powers he did not reveal.
The stiff opposition, he emphasized, fueled his desire and decision to campaign for the President in the next General Election, pledging to deliver at least 80 per cent of the votes from his region.
“I am voted by Turkana County people. Those who are making threats that the Turkana Governor is working with the President, who told them that is a crime?” he remarked.
“I will work with you now and in the future. I will bring you Turkana votes. There's no bargain about that."
