How Kenyan political parties 'tamed' rogue members in 2014

NAIROBI: In 2014, political parties in a move to tame growing discontent and threats of a possible fallout among their members, put in place drastic measures for their members to toe the line or ship out.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party hatched a plot, under former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and took a unique and unfamiliar path to deal decisively with its perceived rebels.

Deputy President William Ruto's United Republican Party (URP) and former Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi's United Democratic Front (UDF) party also struggled to crack the whip on perceived 'rebels' within their parties.

ODM's top organ formed the 'rapid response team' consisting of seven youthful MPs to discipline their 'rogue' colleagues and in turn send a strong message to others on the watch-list that it would not be business as usual.

EXTREME CASES

Legislators Dalmas Otieno (Rongo) and Ken Obura (Kisumu Central), whose cases were classified as extreme, failed to appear before the party's disciplinary committee constituted by the National Executive Council to respond to allegations of undermining the party that sponsored them, have been de-whipped by the party from committees.

URP sent a warning to Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto to go slow on the referendum issue or face disciplinary action.

LOYALTY

"We had the case of members of the Bomet County Assembly and they were warned. They pledged to remain loyal to the party.

"We have issued a warning to Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto and if he continues to undermine the party, we will have no option but to issue summons to him to appear before a disciplinary committee," said URP Secretary General Fred Muteti.

Muteti said the Political Parties Act was put in place so that parties could be transformed into institutions of governance and democracy, where leadership is nurtured.

He further said any member who was not willing to abide by the party's constitution and the Political Parties Act should be dealt with according to the law.

Lugari MP Ayub Savula said once the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal gives its verdict on Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, Martha Wangari (nominated) and chairman Hassan Osman, the party will convene and decide on the way forward.

But he downplayed the issue of whether they would 'kick' anybody out.

"We will wait until the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal makes its verdict on the case before we chart the way forward.

"We really are not interested in kicking anybody out because we need everyone on board as we prepare for the 2017 elections," said Savula.

But Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town) downplayed any possibility of a by-election soon, saying the party is yet to take a formal decision on members who do not propagate the party's policies and ideologies.

Kaluma, who is a member of the party's standing disciplinary committee (which was chaired by the late Senator Otieno Kajwang'), maintained no firm decision had been taken on any members at their Friday meeting with Raila.

NOT FINISHED

The Orange party is still not finished with its schemes.

Also on the chopping list is Major John Waluke (Sirisia), Zainab Chidzuga (Kwale Woman Representative), Samuel Arama (Nakuru Town West), Dan Kazungu (Malindi) and Public Accounts Committee Chair Ababu Namwamba (Budalangi).

The team has recommended that they be de-whipped from their committee.

Minority Whip Thomas Mwadegu (Wundayi) was directed by the team to formally write to members explaining the decision taken and the reasons.

But to effect the process, the party faces a hurdle. It will have to table a motion to be discussed and approved by the House.

Others on the party's radar and who at the moment have got a temporary reprieve include Millie Odhiambo (Mbita), David Ochieng (Ugenya), Gideon Mung'aro (Kilifi North), George Oner (Rangwe) and Sylvance Osele (Kabondo/Kasipul).