Gatanga MP Edward Muriu vows to represent ousted ODM lawmakers in court
Gatang’a lawmaker Edward Muriu has offered to represent the expelled Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) MPs in court.
The lawmaker has also called out party leader Raila Odinga for being unfair, while accusing the opposition party of championing what he described as politics of deciet, conmanship and betrayal.
Mr Muriu wondered why it was okay for Mr Odinga to shake President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua’s hands in public, and for Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to visit State House but not get expelled from their respective parties.
He tweeted, “I’m READY and WILLING to Represent all leaders Expelled from ODM in Court for exercising their Democratic Rights. The Expulsions are Draconic, discriminatory, and unconstitutional.”
The five MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Felix Odiwuor, alias Jalang’o (Langata), and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda were kicked out of the party for openly associating with President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
The party through its chairman John Mbadi added the MPs had opposed lawful decisions and resolutions made by the party, contrary to Article 11 of the ODM constitution.
“The members are deemed to have resigned from the ODM, and the party is hereby directed to commence the process of removing them from the register of ODM,” he said.
In February 2023, the MPs joined President Ruto and his deputy for breakfast at State House where they announced they had attended the invite so as to discuss development projects in their consticuencies.
ODM has however accused the MPs of trying to undermine Mr Odinga.
“Since the victory of our party leader Raila Odinga was stolen and the will of the people subverted after the 2022 presidential elections, some leaders have elected to undermine the leadership of the party and chosen to go against the will of the people who elected them to positions they hold.”
In a press release signed by the party’s Director of Communication Philip Etale, ODM accused President Ruto of trying to buy the opposition in a bid to weaken the Azimio team which is out to put his government in check.
“Three months ago the Azimio la Umoja leadership began rallies to push for the reclamation of its victory from the hands of the illegitimate administration in order to provide the leadership Kenyans want, but all along, we knew the enemy will not sit pretty,”
“They have started spending stolen money to hoodwink some of our leaders with the aim of trying to scuttle our activities. Such meetings are aimed at diverting the attention of Kenyans from issues they are faced with, ranging from the high cost of living, unbearable school fees for their children, and corruption.”
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