ODM Starts Kicking Out Jalang'o Despite Kalonzo's Plea

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has begun the process of deregistering or expelling seven Members of Parliament (MP) who visited President William Ruto at State House on Tuesday, February 7.

In a statement dated Thursday, February 9, ODM secretary-general Edwin Sifuna acknowledged receiving a letter from Migori Senator Eddy Oketch calling for the expulsion of the 'rebel' lawmakers, including Lang'ata MP, Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o.

Oketch, through Aguko, Osman, and Company Advocates, termed the actions of the legislators as one that went against the framework of the party.

As a result, he called for the party to expel MPs Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Caroli Omondi (Suba South) as well as Shakeel Shabir (Kisumu East, Independent), Paul Abuor (Rongo), John Owino (Awendo) and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda alongside Jalang'o.

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

"Their actions do not only fly on the face of the entire legal framework governing political parties' membership but have also caused immense embarrassment, ridicule, anxiety, and disgust among the members of the Orange Democratic Movement Party and its party leadership at large.

“It is our client's humble prayer that the Office of the Party Secretary General proceeds immediately, but in any case not later than 7 days from receipt of the letter to deem the members as having resigned and have their names struck off the Party Members Register,” the letter read in part.

Oketch however noted that Owino-the Awendo MP has since apologised to the party leadership, adding that he cannot accuse him of going against the ideals of the ODM party.

The Senator told the Nation that he has accepted that it was a misnomer for him to meet with President Ruto without the permission of the ODM party leader, Raila Odinga.

Sifuna on his part updated Oketch on the ouster process, noting that the necessary steps have been taken with a view to further action by the party's leadership.

"The above subject matter refers. My office is in receipt of your letter whose contents we acknowledge.

"Internal mechanisms have been initiated with a view of processing it for action by the relevant Party organs in accordance with the Party Constitution and any other relevant law," he stated.

This comes despite Wiper Party leader, Kalonzo Musyoka urging MPs allied to the Azimio la Umoja coalition to forgive Jalang'o and to show tolerance for him, adding that no lawmaker should be kicked out for consulting with President Ruto's government on development projects.

“These people who went to State House the other day if there is an election to be called would they really? Poor Jalang'o in fact I was looking for him and I am still going to look for Jalang'o because he was here.

"We must also exercise tolerance. When somebody wants to say sorry, don’t throw them out," he said amidst murmured protests from MPs.

He empathised with the former Kiss FM presenter, noting that he was thrown into a terrible place mentally knowing that the neighbouring Kibra constituency became hostile territory for him.

The meeting with Ruto saw Jalang'o accompany the MPs and it was reported that they had dumped Raila's party for Ruto's government, even though he defended by stating that the closed-door meeting was for the good of his constituents given the development projects that would benefit them if he teamed up with the government.