ODM's NEC to discuss last week's assault on Magerer

The Orange Democratic Movement's (ODM) National Executive Committee is today expected to discuss the circumstances under which embattled ODM Executive Director Magerer Langat was physically assaulted.

This will happen even after Magerer indicated that he will file a case at the High Court against his assailants.

The assault took place during last week's CORD Parliamentary Group meeting at Orange House.

ODM's Deputy Director of Communication Maseme Machuka confirmed that Magerer will press charges against nine county representatives for allegedly assaulting him.

The nine include Nairobi County Assembly Majority Leader Elisha Otieno (Kileleshwa), Alvin Olando (Kitisuru), Oscar Otieno (Mathare North), Maxwell Otieno ( Korogocho), Daniel Odhiambo (Dandora IV and Peter Oluoch (Huruma).

Others are Catherine Opiyo, Magdaline Mbogholi, Rose Nancy Luchiri and Carolyne Achieng, all nominated.

"Hon Magerer is taking these MCAs to court tomorrow (today). We have already finalised with the medical reports and witness statements," said Mr Machuka.

The ODM Executive Director has also written a letter to the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal to take appropriate action against the ward representative who roughed him up.

Meanwhile, The National Alliance Party (TNA) has called on the embattled ODM boss to decamp from the Orange party and join the ruling coalition.

The leaders led by Secretary General Onyango Oloo also condemned Magerer's ejection from the CORD meeting.

 political intolerance

The group said the unfortunate incident was further proof of the political intolerance that was taking root in the country, and asked the relevant law enforcement agencies to act.

"It is saddening how a party can descend upon its senior leader with blows and kicks. The Registrar of Political Parties should act very fast since condoning such acts of violence can lead to similar incidents," said the secretary general.

Speaking at the party's headquarters, Nairobi County Assembly's Deputy Minority Leader Ngaruya Chege said the violence meted out on Magerer by the MCAs was a violation of Chapter Six of the Constitution on Leadership and Integrity.

"We want action taken, and the Director of Public Prosecution should handle the issue," said Chege.

The remarks by Oloo come after CORD leader Raila Odinga said that the MCAs had embarrassed him, adding there were other avenues of resolving disagreements.