County assembly kicks out expelled ODM ward reps

The county assembly of Kisumu has suspended four nominated MCAs after they were expelled by ODM over allegations of gross misconduct.

The four - Carolyne Opar, Keneddy Ajwang, Peter Obaso, and Regina Kizito - had their nominations revoked after they were branded rebels.

On Friday, Speaker Elisha Oraro said the suspended MCAs will no longer be allowed to participate in any assembly activities until further notice.

This follows a communication from ODM which indicated that the four MCAs had been expelled from the party.

According to a letter by ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong'wen, the decision was made after the MCAs were found to have violated the Political Parties Act,2011, the ODM code of conduct, and section 11 of the ODM constitution.

"It is important to note that the affected members were granted the opportunity for a fair hearing during the party's internal dispute resolution process," said Ong'wen.

Ong'wen had directed Oraro to take the necessary steps to acknowledge and implement the decision of ODM's National Executive Committee.

Oraro, in a communication to MCAs dated September 7, 2023, acknowledged that he had received a communication from the party on the revocation of the election of the four members.

"I would like to take this opportunity to read out the contents of the letter to you. As per the letter, I hereby inform you that the mentioned members are suspended from all functions of the assembly with immediate effect. This means they will no longer participate in any assembly activities until further notice," he said.

The speaker requested the Clerk of the County Assembly to take note of the communication and ensure that the necessary administrative actions are taken to enforce the suspension of the members.

"I urge all members to adhere to this decision and maintain the integrity and smooth functioning of our assembly during this period. Further instructions and updates will be communicated as necessary," added the speaker.

The MCAs are among a group of politicians, including five MPs, who have been punished by the party for alleged gross misconduct.

The five MPs expelled from ODM however remained defiant with some of them threatening to appeal the said decision in the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal.

The ODM's National Executive Council, on Monday, resolved to expel Kisumu senator Tom Ojienda and MPs Felix Odiwour (Langata), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), and Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) over alleged gross misconduct.

The expelled MPs and MCAs are among opposition lawmakers who have been selling the Kenya Kwanza agenda despite Azimio's stand that they do not recognise Ruto's presidency.

Others punished are Nairobi Woman Rep Esther Passaris, who was directed to pay a fine of Sh250,000 to the party, Paul Abuor (Rongo) and Mark Nyamita (Uriri) who were reprimanded and fined Sh1 million each to be paid within sixty days.