Opposition leader Raila Odinga‘s quest to expel rebel ODM Members of Assembly (MPs) from the Orange party has for the second attempt hit a snag.
This was after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) on Tuesday, September 22, failed to suspend orders barring their removal.
In court papers seen by Kivumbi.co.ke, PPDT chairperson Desmo Nungo issued interim conservatory orders stopping ODM from implementing the decision to expel the five MPs perceived to be rebels pending the determination of suits filed challenging the expulsion.
“In the interim and pending the hearing and determination of this Application, this Honorable Tribunal hereby issues interim conservatory orders staying the implementation and/or execution of the decision of the 1st Respondent to expel the Complainant/Applicants, from the Orange Democratic Movement Party,” Nungo said.
The tribunal further directed that the matter be mentioned on the 3rd of October for further directions.
Earlier this month, the opposition party expelled Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor commonly referred to as Jalang’o, Suba MP Caroli Omondi, Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, and Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo.
While expelling them, ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) accused the five of going against the party’s wishes by cooperating and working with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza Government.
However, Senator Tom Ojienda in his affidavit swore that he was not accorded a fair hearing by the party’s disciplinary committee and denied claims that he betrayed the party by working with the government.
Ojenda has since vowed to work with party leader Raila Odinga’s bitter rival William Ruto stating that it is only through partnership with the government that the people of Kisumu can get developments.
“There are signs of development that you can see. And that is why I say I will always stand with the government because the government is the only way that you can bring development to your people,” he said.
