On Wednesday, Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwour alias Jalang’o was shown the door by ODM, alongside Elisha Ochieng’ Odhiambo (Gem), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo) and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.
The decision to kick the members followed an NEC meeting that was held on the same day under the leadership of party leader Raila Odinga. The five are are accused of violating the party’s constitution and the Political Parties Act 2011 by openly associating with and supporting activities of a rival political outfit, as well as opposing lawful decisions made by party organs.
Jalang’o has since broken silence about his party’s decision by quoting the Holy Scriptures saying God never allows man to be tempted beyond his capacity.
“No trial is too heavy to lift! No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it,” he said in a social media post.
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The transcripts are lifted from Corinthians 10:13.
Jalang’o and his collegues defied the ODM Party leader and met President Willam Ruto together with his deputy Rigathi Gachagua at State House for breakfast on February 7, 2023 and also vowed to work with President William Ruto.
The decision to kick them out was however preceded by a series of other meetings held by the central committee of the party, the disciplinary committee, and the National Elections Board.
“Members went through the various agendas set for the meeting and after several hours of deliberations, they resolved that these members be deemed to have resigned from the party. The party is hereby directed to commence the process of removing them from the register of the party,” ODM said.
Others who were also disciplined for defying party positions and associating with the rival political parties were Uririr MP Mark Nyamita and his Rongo counterpart Paul Abour who were fined sh1 million for the offence. The MPs were ordered to pay the fine within 60 days.
Nairobi Women Rep Esther Passaris was on her part fined sh250,000 for voting for the Financial Bill, 2023, and ordered to issue a written apology.
The party also recommended the revocation of the nomination of four MCAs of Kisumu County Assembly for gross misconduct.