The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has sent out a stern warning to presidential hopeful Jimmi Wanjingi after an officials' meeting chaired by the party leader, Raila Odinga on Wednesday, September 29.
In the meeting held in Nairobi to address issues affecting the party, the officials noted that no member has permission to open any party offices anywhere, including in their own village.
In the statement issued, the leaders noted that any member who needs to open an office must consult with the top party officials to make necessary plans.
The directive is a big blow to Wanjigi who had begun his own parallel plans in preparation for his presidential bid, including opening party offices without the endorsement of the party officials.
To open recognized party offices, the billionaire will have to seek permission from the ODM officials, most of whom seem against his presidential bid and attempts to challenge the party leader, Raila Odinga.
The ODM members who want to form offices have been further warned that whenever they decide to open a party office without consulting the national office, such an office shall not be recognized.
“We wish to remind all members that whenever there is need to open any party office, the same must be done in consultation with the national office, failure to which such offices will not be recognized,” the statement read.
The party has stated that this is a crucial matter, and anyone going against the directive will face disciplinary action.
“Such brazen violation of the party’s directive will attract disciplinary action to those involved,” the statement signed by ODM Secretary-General, Edwin Sifuna read.
This statement comes weeks after Jimi Wanjingi blasted Raila over the party leadership, claiming that ODM belongs to no specific person, asking him not to behave as if he owns it.
Notably, in the meeting chaired by ODM leader Raila Odinga, the leaders extended the period for free membership registration, which was expected to end on Thursday, September 30.
The free registration for members has been extended for another three months, until December 31.
“Given the success, we have witnessed and the desire from the public to join the party in the last three months, we resolved to extend the free membership registration for members, which was expected to expire on the 30th of September,” the statement read.
