The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party on Wednesday dismissed criticism leveled against it by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula over how the political outfit has handled rebels.
In a statement, the party questioned why Wetangula who is supposed to be a neutral arbiter, owing to his position as Speaker, has in the recent past, been openly criticising the party.
“We draw a line on the involvement of the Speaker of the National Assembly, who, while holding an office that makes him both the head of the crucial third arm of government and therefore a supposed neutral arbiter in legislative and political party issues, cannot take sides in partisan.” read part of the statement.
The party, while tearing into Wetangula questioned why the current NA Speaker has not emulated past speakers like Kenneth Marende, Francis ole Kaparo and Fred Mati, who according to ODM, despite being sponsored by their parties, refrained from taking sides and demonstrated balance when delivering their rulings.
“Hon. Moses Wetangula, perhaps in conforming to typical character, in undertaking his duties, has opted to be merely a Kenya Kwanza appendage and nothing more. This is truly sad, given that great men have occupied that office during critical moments in the country's history and acquitted themselves brilliantly in handling disputes.”
In its statement, the party also vowed to remain firm observing it will continue to take disciplinary action against its members until they toe the party line.
The party also wants the seats occupied by the four legislators declared vacant by the Speaker of the National Assembly, who also happens to be Wetang'ula.
“We can only hope that Mr. Wetangula forgot that once the due process of these expulsions is concluded, and ODM intends to follow it through to end, it will be his duty to declare those seats vacant.”
ODM further challenged Wetangula to quit his current position and join the political arena if he wishes to be a full-time politician.
“If Wetangula feels constrained to speak, we challenge him to lay down the instruments and garb of the office of Speaker and meet us on the political platform like any other politician.”
ODM further warned the Speaker against meddling in ODM affairs and instead called on Wetang'ula to take in the expelled MPs into his FORD Party to allow the MPs seek fresh mandate from the electorate under FORD Kenya ticket.
Wetangula made the remarks during his visit to St. Mary's Uriri Catholic Church, Migori County on September 10, where he rebuked ODM for expelling the legislators.
