Malala blasts ODM’s move to expel Jalang’o, four others
United Democratic Alliance (UDA) secretary general Cleophas Malala has criticised the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s move to expel five legislators from the party.
The vocal politicians, via a post on his socials, described the move as a blatant infringement on the fundamental rights of freedom of thought and association.
“Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) where Democracy, freedom of thought and association is a capital offence,” Malala posted on his X (formerly Twitter) page.
This is not the first time Malala is challenging the ODM party.
In April 2023, Malala, who unsuccessfully contested for the Kakamega gubernatorial seat in the 2022 presidential elections, alleged the ODM party has been shortchanging its supporters.
He did not substiatiate.
“You lost your first 10 years of devolution because of failing to elect good leaders. That here in Siaya you cannot be elected if not in ODM. You choose even a mad person because he is in ODM,” he alleged.
His sentiment came a few hours after the ODM accused the five lawmakers it expelled of misconduct.
The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in a meeting chaired by party leader Raila Odinga and chairman John Mbadi, said the decision was arrived at following the consideration of a report by the disciplinary committee which had been looking into the conduct of some members.
The five are Members of Parliament Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Felix Odiwuor ‘Jalang’o’ (Lang’ata), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.
They were accused of violating the party Constitution and the Political Parties Act 2011 by openly associating with and supporting activities of a rival political outfit, as well as opposing lawful decisions made by party organs.
The ODM party hence said they are ‘deemed to have resigned’, and will now ‘commence the process of removing them from the register’.
Rongo MP Paul Abuor and his Uriri counterpart Mark Nyamita, who also faced similar allegations, were fined Ksh.1 million each, while Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris was fined Sh500,000. The amount has to be paid within 60 days.
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