'That is not democracy' Kajiado Central MP reacts to ODM purge

Kajiado Central Member of Parliament (MP) Elijah Kanchory. [File, Standard]

Kajiado Central Member of Parliament (MP) Elijah Kanchory has reacted to the recent purge by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), terming the move as non-democratic.

His sentiments come a few days after ODM expelled MPs who were seen associating with the president despite the party's stand on his elections.

While addressing a gathering today Tuesday, September 12, Kanchory said that the move is against what the constitution and democracy stand for.

"I have observed that my party is issuing letters to those who associate themselves with the president. First of all, I would like to say that that is not democracy. Our constitution is very clear that there is freedom of association," he said.

"Mambo ni matatu hii Kenya (There are three options in Kenya). You choose to lead or be lead. You choose to make decisions or you will be decided for. We don't want to be organised, we will organise ourselves."

He added that he has been elected as an MP three times while under ODM and he did not gain anything from the party as an MP.

Kanchory went ahead and dared the movement to send one of those letters his way as he would accept it and take a side that was willing to work with him.

ODM expelled five lawmakers over allegations of gross misconduct among them being Felix Odiwour alias Jalang'o of Lang'ata, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Suba South's Caroli Omondi, and Gideon Ochanda of Bondo constituency.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris was asked to pay a Sh250,000 fine while Rongo MP Paul Abuor and Uriri's Mark Nyamit were fined a sum of Sh1 million.