ODM rejects appeal by MPs facing expulsion

The Orange Democratic Movement has rejected an appeal by two MPs seeking to stay in the party, saying its top organ's decision cannot be challenged.

MPs Aisha Jumwa (Malindi) and Suleiman Dori (Msambweni) had yesterday, through lawyer Kipchumba Murkomen, notified ODM of their intention to appeal against a decision by the party's National Executive Council (NEC) to expel them.

The two MPs are in trouble for backing Deputy President William Ruto's presidential bid. However, the party now says it has no mechanism on appealing a decision by the party’s NEC.

In a statement, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said appeal against the National Governing Council (NGC) did not exist in the party’s constitution.

Ms Jumwa and Mr Dori had on Tuesday appealed against the decision to expel them from ODM.

The two argued that the party's disciplinary committee that found them guilty disregarded its own constitution during hearing.

They also demanded an opportunity to appear before the NGC to defend their position before any decision could be taken.

“The members pray to be accorded their rightful entitlement in the Constitution and the ODM constitution to appear, represented by a counsel, before the NGC within six months as provided by Article 8.4.5 of the ODM constitution to defend themselves against the decision of the disciplinary committee and approval by NEC,” read a letter by Murkomen to the party.

Mr Sifuna challenged the MPs and their lawyer to take time to familiarise with the constitution and rules governing the party.

Jumwa and Dori were disciplined for openly showing disrespect to the party leader and insinuating that they had decamped by expressing support for Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid.

This comes even as MCAs from Kilifi continue to intensify calls for ODM to finalise their removal to pave way for by-elections.