What next for Jalang’o after ODM expulsion?
Langata lawmaker Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, is among five members of Parliament expelled from the Orange Democratric Movement (ODM) party.
A communique from the opposition allied party indicates Jalang’o and his colleagues have been expelled for ‘defying party position and gross misconduct’.
Others expelled according to a resolution by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) are Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Sen. Tom Ojienda (Kisumu), Hon. Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), and Caroli Omondi (Suba South).
The decision is hardly surprising considering most of these lawmakers appeared to have switched their loyalty from ODM leader Raila Odinga to President William Ruto.
In recent times, the lawmakers have been spotted at State House, Nairobi, and accompanying the Head of State to launch development projects in their consticuencies or in the lakeside region, considered Mr Odinga’s home turf.
This as Mr Odinga decried what he referred to as ‘prostitution’ within the country’s politics, in which politicians are elected on a particular party ticket, only to switch alligieance immediately after.
“We should not allow that. President Ruto says he needs a strong opposition and turns around to poach opposition MPs. Who does that? It has to stop.”
Jalang’o has in the past insisted he did nothing wrong by cosying up to President Ruto.
In a recent interview on Radio 47, Jalang’o, a former radio presenter, also hinted that the party had not judged him fairly.
“President Ruto called me one evening and asked me to come to State House. He was planning a visit to my consticuency to launch the development housing. I thought that was a good move. I had to attend the launch because if I stayed away, my political opponents would take advantage and say I am anti-development,” said Jalang’o.
“That visit put me in wrong books with the party and party leader. I was denied access to ODM meetings and have not been attending them because I fear for my life. But I look at other ODM members meeting the President every day and nothing has happened to them including the Mombasa Governor (Abdulswamad Nassir). Why only me?” he posed.
Also read: Fabolous finally ‘celebrates’ Kenya one month after his show in Nairobi