Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda challenges ODM over expulsion
In what could be a precursor ahead of a protracted legal battle, Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda has challenged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to table documentary evidence to suggest he has been cooperating with President William Ruto.
This comes a day after the opposition party announced it had expelled Prof Ojienda.
The Senator further maintains the party is yet to officially communicate to him about the expulsion and the reasons behind the decision.
“Despite this being an extremely adverse decision against our client (Prof Ojienda), you have not yet issued any communication to him in person with regard to his expulsion. In light of the above we are writing to request for immediate furnishing of proceedings and documents over his expulsion,” a letter addressed to the ODM party by the Senator’s lawfirm states in part.
To be specific, Prof Ojienda has sought for the resolution by the ODM’s National Executive Council (NEC) to expel him from the party.
He is also seeking recommendations by the ODM Disciplinary Tribunal (DT) that led to his expulsion.
Prof Ojienda who is Senior Counsel (SC) and a first term Senator, also demands to be furnished with ‘all the minutes held by ODM NEC, Central Committee and National Elections Board with regard to his expulsion’.
He states that he learnt of his predicament from a presser addressed by party chairman of ODM John Mbadi, who is also a nominated MP on September 6,2023.
In the correspondence copied to former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi, Prof Ojienda is also seeking typed proceedings of the ODM Disciplinary Tribunal (DT).
On September 6, 2023, the ODM party cracked its whip on politicians whom it said went against the party position and elected to support President William Ruto and his government.
Besides Prof Ojienda, ODM also expelled four other lawmakers namely Phelix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o (Lang’ata), Paul Abuor (Rongo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) and Caroli Omondi (Suba).
The move, endorsed by party leader Raila Odinga, was received by mixed reactions from Kenyans.