Simon Mboya
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s National Committee has expelled four of its legislators and one senator. The affected members are Elisha Odhiambo from Gem, Gideon Ochanda from Bondo, Felix Odiour, famously known as ‘Jalang’o,’ representing Lang’ata, and Carol Omondi from Suba South. Additionally, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda has also been expelled from the party.
The five are accused of breaching the party’s constitution and the Political Parties Act 2011. They allegedly openly associated with and supported the activities of a rival political party.
The ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) made this announcement in a statement released to news outlets following a meeting with the party leader, Raila Odinga, and National Chairman John Mbadi. The decision was reached after the NEC considered a report submitted by the disciplinary committee, which had been investigating the conduct of certain party members.
In response to their expulsion, Lang’ata MP Jalang’o and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda have expressed their sentiments both personally and through social media posts.
Jalang’o shared a poignant photo of himself carrying a box of documents during the 2022 presidential election petition hearing. He also quoted a Bible verse expressing his sadness at being expelled from the party.
On his part, Senator Ojienda stated that his removal from the ODM party would not hinder him from collaborating with President William Ruto.
In a related matter, other legislators facing similar accusations, namely Mark Ogolla Nyamita from Uriri and Paul Abuor from Rongo, have received reprimands. They have been directed to issue written apologies to the party within seven days and have also been required to pay a fine of Ksh 1 million each within sixty days.
Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris has also faced reprimand for defying the party’s stance on the Financial Bill 2023. She has been instructed to issue a written apology to the party within seven days and fined Ksh 250,000, payable within sixty days.