Political Parties Tribunal Stops Expulsion of ODM Rebels Until Case is Heard

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) suffered a major setback after nine of its expelled ‘rebel’ members managed to get orders stopping their deregistration – a move that would have seen them lose their seats.

The nine are Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya, Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, Viwandani MCA Sam Nyang’wara and MPs Stephen Kariuki (Mathare), Isaac Mwaura (nominated), Samuel Arama (Nakuru West), Ababu Namwamba (Budalang’i), Masoud Mwahima (Likoni), John Waluke (Sirisia) and Kwale woman representative Zainab Chidzuga.

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal on Tuesday issued an order stopping the Orange party from carrying out the deregistration exercise until their case is heard and determined.

The nine moved to the tribunal after ODM’s governing organ found them to have contravened the party’s constitution and proposed their expulsion from the party for expressing affiliation to the Jubilee party and support for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election in 2017.

Prominent Nairobi lawyer Kioko Kilukumi will be representing the rebel MPs at the tribunal that will be chaired by Kyalo Mbobu, with James Atema and Paul Ngotho as members.

Kilukumi has told the tribunal that ODM failed to accord Namwamba and Mwahima a fair hearing during a recent disciplinary committee meeting adding that the rest of the members were heard, despite their protest that ODM has not held party elections for the last 10 years.

If the tribunal rules in favour of ODM, the nine will lose their seats and by-elections held in their respective constituencies and counties.