Traitors Aside, Raila says as he defends ODM purge on rebel leaders

Migori, 

Friday, 8 September, 2023

McCreadie Andias 

ODM boss Raila Odinga has defended the party's move to show release five of its members who violated the party's constitution.

Raila while speaking in Migori today during a people's baraza, termed the five legislators as 'traitor' who betrayed the patry and the will of the people by associating with the ruling regime through the back door. 

The five who were shown the door on Wednesday are Members of Parliament Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Felix Odiwuor ‘Jalang’o’ (Lang’ata), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.

Odinga said that the party can only be strong if its members were Discplined hence rebuking the said rebels further calling for their immediate resignation to seek elective seats through new tickets. 

“ODM must be strong as a political party...the party can be strong when there Is discipline....it cannot progress when there are cases of indiscipline,” he said.

“We want to see unity...you can’t move to another party claiming that you are looking for development. There are structures the leaders can use to get development. We don't want betrayal.”

He added: “That's why we took actions against those not loyal to the party. If you think you are ballsy enough, just come back to the ground.

Rongo MP Paul Abuor and his Uriri counterpart Mark Nyamita, who also faced similar allegations, were - on the other hand - fined Ksh.1 million each to be paid within 60 days.

The party said the two lawmakers appeared before its disciplinary committee in person and explained reasons for their actions, and were further directed to offer a written apology to the party within 7 days.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris was also reprimanded for her “outright defiance of the party position on the punitive Finance Bill 2023,” and was fined Ksh.250,000.

The party now insists that it will instigate disciplinary actions against the MPs to ensure they are removed from office for violating the political parties Act 2011 as spelt in the constitution and refusal to obey party directives.

Raila was in company of Usawa party leader Raila Odinga, Governor Ochilo Ayacko, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa among other leaders.