Seven Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Members of Parliament were on Friday, July 14, summoned to appear for a disciplinary hearing at the party headquarters in Nairobi.
In a process aimed at kicking the MPs out of the Orange Party, the Disciplinary Committee asked the seven Lawmakers to confirm if they will be attending the hearing or not.
Among the MPs who were summoned by the Professor Ben Sihanya-led committee included Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Felix Oduor (Langata), Paul Abuor (Rongo) and Caroli Omondi (Suba South).
"Of course, the MPs will appear before the committee on varied schedules. They are expected to confirm their attendance starting tomorrow," Prof Sihanya stated.
ODM Party Disciplinary Committee also summoned Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris who supported President William Ruto's Finance Bill 2023, and disregarded the Azimio la Umoja coalition's position.
“By refusing, declining, neglecting and/or failing to vote in accordance to the party’s position, you violated Article 11(1)(e) of the ODM constitution, the Code of Conduct and lawful decisions,” a letter that was sent to Passaris read in parts.
The actual hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, July 19, at Orange House in Nairobi, during which the Azimio la Umoja coalition will also be staging another round of countrywide protests.
The hearing is premised on the alleged defiance and contemptuous attitude with which the MPs had treated party positions, including meeting President William Ruto at State House in disregard to party position.
The accusations against the MPs were leveled by Migori Senator Eddie Gichuru Oketch, who in his letter to the Disciplinary Committee stated that the Legislators had contravened Section 14A (1) (e) of the Political Parties Act.
Section 14A (1) (e) of the Political Parties Act stated that a person who, while being a member of a political party, shall be deemed to have resigned from the party if the person (1) promotes the ideology, interests, or policies of another political party.
Oketch then called on the Disciplinary Committee to reach a resolution to expel the rebels, noting that the decision would serve as a warning to other rogue MPs within the party.
The Orange Party asked the MPs to prepare adequately, including acquiring the services of legal representatives in order for them not to be disenfranchised during the disciplinary hearing.
“ODM Disciplinary Committee, pursuant to Articles 75 and 76 of the ODM constitution, summons you to appear in person before the Committee sitting on Wednesday 19th July 2023 at 10 am at Chungwa House. In default of your appearance, the ODM Disciplinary Committee will take appropriate action as provided by the ODM constitution without any further reference to you.
“Please note that you will be required to defend yourself as to why disciplinary action should not be taken against you with regards to your alleged violation of the ODM Party Constitution, Code of Conduct and lawful decisions," the summons read in parts.
