The resolution made during the party’s National Governing Council meeting at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday approved the expulsion of ten elected leaders among them former Secretary General Ababu Namwamba and Sirisia MP John Waluke/CFM NEWS
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 31 – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has ratified a decision by its Disciplinary Committee to expel defectors.
The resolution made during the party’s National Governing Council meeting at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday approved the expulsion of ten elected leaders among them former Secretary General Ababu Namwamba and Sirisia MP John Waluke.
“The report by the disciplinary committee investigating the leaders who publicly defected to other parties, was unanimously adopted by the National Executive Council,” acting Secretary-General Agnes Zani had on Sunday said ahead of the NGC meeting.
Others who were expelled include Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya, Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, legislators Steven Kariuki (Mathare), Samuel Arama (Nakuru West), Masoud Mwahima (Likoni), Zainab Chidzuga (Kwale Woman Representative), Isaac Mwaura (Nominated MP) and Viwandani MCA Samwel Nyangwara.
The Orange party’s NGC however pardoned Marsabit Governor Ukur Yatani and Igembe Central MP Cyprian Kubai.
There was commotion and outrage at the meeting when ODM chairman John Mbadi invited two defectors who had had a change of mind on their decision to quit the Orange party.
Richard Onyonka (Kitutu Chache) and Simon Ong’are (Bomachoge Chache) apologies were dismissed by delegates from their home turf who accused them of leading an onslaught against the party’s candidate in the Nyacheki Ward by-election which was won by Naftali Nyaberi Onkoba.
The two will have to wait for a decision by the Disciplinary Committee of the party with Kisii branch officials insisting that they have to be given an opportunity to make submissions before a decision is made.
Other leaders whose fate hangs in the balance include legislators Mpuri Aburi (Tigania East), Mustafa Idd (Kilifi South), James Rege (Karachuonyo), Chachu Ganya (North Horr) and Gideon Mung’aro (Kilifi North) whose cases will be determined on Thursday.
The Governing council also approved adjustments to the party’s governance structure which will now include a two deputy party leaders.
The Council will now be composed of the party leader (Raila Odinga), two deputy party leaders (Wycliff Oparanya and Hassan Joho), members of the National Executive Council (NEC), branch chairpersons, the parliamentary group, governors and their deputies.
The party also approved an amendment increasing the membership of the National Elections Board from the current five to seven members.
Members vying for elective positions through the party will also be required to have subscribed to life membership of the party.
The party also officially approved its leader Raila Odinga as ODM’s flag bearer for the 2017 General Election.
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