Expelled ODM MPs, Malindi's Aisha Jumwa and Suleiman Dori of Msambweni have filed an appeal against the party’s decision through Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen.
In their submissions, Jumwa and Dori argue that their association with DP William Ruto, which led to the expulsion, was in the spirit of the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga.
They hence pleaded to appear before the National Governing Council (NGC) of the ODM party in order to defend their positions and actions.
Murkomen filed the application in his capacity as an advocate.
The petition was filed on Tuesday, February 5, and cited bias that is not in line with the Orange party’s constitution.
Part of the petition by Murkomen reads, “Honourable members Jumwa and Dori are aware of ODM's position to work with and support government initiatives under Building Bridges Initiative. Any association in this line including interaction with Deputy President is in conformation to this initiative. It is also an exercise of freedom association.”
According to Murkomen, the association of the politicians with the DP was only manifested as part of the Building Bridges Initiative.
ODM party’s NEC, on January 24, upheld the decision of the Party’s disciplinary committee recommending that the two be expelled.
The petition also indicated, “Alleging that the honourable members supported a presidential candidate other than an ODM candidate is baseless and outrageous. No party had nominated such a candidate at the time such alleged utterances were made.”
It even indicated that the disciplinary committee of ODM was not constitutionally constituted to enable it to make decisions such as expelling MPs since only one member sat to make the decision.
