ODM Summons MPs Over Ruto Alliance
On Friday, July 14, seven Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party members were summoned to the party’s headquarters in Nairobi for a disciplinary proceeding.
To expel the seven lawmakers from the Orange Party, the Disciplinary Committee requested confirmation of their attendance at the hearing.
Senator Tom Ojienda of Kisumu, Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Felix Oduor (Langata), Paul Abuor (Rongo), and Caroli Omondi (Suba South) were among the MPs summoned by Professor Ben Sihanya’s committee.
“Of course, the agendas of the MPs who appear before the committee will vary. They are anticipated to confirm their attendance beginning tomorrow, according to Prof. Sihanyi.
The ODM Party Disciplinary Committee also convened Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, who supported the Finance Bill 2023 of President William Ruto and disregarded the position of the Azimio la Umoja coalition.
A letter sent to Passaris stated in part, “By refusing, declining, neglecting, and/or failing to vote by the party’s position, you violated Article 11(1)(e) of the ODM constitution, the Code of Conduct, and lawful decisions.”
The actual hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, July 19, at Orange House in Nairobi. During this time, the Azimio la Umoja coalition will also conduct nationwide protests.
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The hearing is based on the alleged defiance and disdain with which the MPs regarded party positions, including meeting President William Ruto at State House despite the party position.
Senator Eddie Gichuru Oketch of Migori accused the MPs of violating Section 14A (1) (e) of the Political Parties Act in a letter to the Disciplinary Committee.
By subsection 14A (1) (e) of the Political Parties Act, a person is presumed to have resigned from a political party if he or she (1) promotes the ideology, interests, or policies of another political party.
Oketch subsequently urged the Disciplinary Committee to pass a resolution to expel the rebels, observing that the decision would serve as a deterrent to other disloyal party members.
For them not to be disenfranchised during the disciplinary proceeding, the Orange Party urged the members of parliament to adequately prepare, which included retaining legal counsel.
“By Articles 75 and 76 of the ODM Constitution, the ODM Disciplinary Committee summons you to appear in person before the Committee on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Chungwa House. In the absence of your presence, the ODM Disciplinary Committee will take action by the ODM constitution without further consultation with you.
The summons stated in part, “Please note that you will be required to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against you for your alleged violation of the ODM Party Constitution, Code of Conduct, and legal decisions.”
ODM Summons MPs Over Ruto Alliance
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