Four MCAs suspended after ODM directive

By Peter Ochieng

Four nominated Members of the Kisumu County Assembly (MCAs) are on the verge of losing their seats.

They were on Thursday suspended from Assembly sessions after communication from the Orange Democtratic Movement (ODM), which handed them nomination slots, over gross misconduct.

While reading a communication from the party, Kisumu County Assembly Speaker Elisha Jack Oraro said the four; Caroline Opar, Kennedy Ajwang, Peter Obaso and Regina Kizito have been banned from county assembly activities.

"As per the letter, I hereby inform you that the mentioned members are suspended from all functions of the assembly with immediate effect."

“I kindly request the Clerk of the County Assembly to take note of this communication and ensure that the necessary administrative actions are taken to enforce the suspension of the aforementioned members."

"I urge all members to adhere to this decision and maintain the integrity and smooth functioning of our assembly during this period. Further instructions and updates will be communicated as necessary.”

If they fail to take legal action against the move, the MCA's nomination can be revoked by ODM and replaced, provided it is not within three months to the next general election.

Their suspension comes a day after five legislatures elected on the Raila Odinga led ODM party were expelled for cooperating with president William Ruto.

They are Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang'o, Suba South's Caroli Omondi, Bondo's Gideon Ochanda, Gem's Elisha Odhiambo and Kisumu county Senator Tom Ojienda.

Ojienda insists he will not stop working with the president despite the expulsion, Jalang'o says he remains an ODM member until he recieves communication from Odinga, while Ochanda says they have been treated unfairly.

He said they will not take the expulsion lying down, giving a hint of appealing the decision.