Court issues orders to temporarily bar suspension of ODM MPs

Politics 

Tuesday, 12 September, 2023 

McCreadie Andias 

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal Committee has temporarily reprieved the suspension of three ODM MPs ; Elisha Odhiambo of GEM, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda and Langata MP Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o. 

The three are among five legislators who were expelled from the party last week following the ODM's NEC resolutions to keep off Party rebels for violating the Partie's constitution, disobeying the party rules and working with the Kenya Kwanza regime without consulting the party officials. 

In the orders given by the PPDT chairperson Desmas Nungo, the Orange Party has been barred from expelling the legislators pending a hearing and determination of the case filed by MPs challenging their expulsion.

The Registrar of Political Parties has also been barred from effecting any changes relating to the expulsion.

ODM has also been stopped from removing the Gem MP from parliamentary Committees he sits in by virtue of being a member of the party.

"This Honorable Tribunal hereby issues interim orders barring the 1st Respondent from removing the Complainant, Elisha Ochieng Odhiambo, as a committee member of the Departmental Committee on Energy and Members Service and Facilities Committee in the National Assembly."

The matter is set for mention on September 20, 2023.

The expelled ODM MPs had moved to the political parties dispute Tribunal in Kisumu challenging their expulsion from the Party where they sought conservatory orders to stop ODM from implementing their expulsion with could have risked their Parliamentary seats. 

On Friday, the lawmakers Felix Odiwour alias Jalang’o of Lang’ata, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Suba South's Caroli Omondi, and Gideon Ochanda of Bondo Constituency filed individual motions to overturn the party’s decision.