The fate of Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa and Msambweni’s Suleiman Ndori and other MCAs now rests with the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) following the adoption of a report recommending their expulsion.
Mr Odinga chaired a meeting that adopted a report recommending the expulsion of Ms Jumwa, Mr Dori, and seven ward representatives — six from Homa Bay and one from Busia — from the party.
Ms Jumwa and Mr Dori, who were both elected on an ODM ticket in the 2017 elections, have been accused of party disloyalty after they declared their support for Deputy President William Ruto’s 2022 State House bid. They will plead their case before the party National Executive Council next year.
Party Disciplinary Committee recommends expulsion from the party of MPs Aisha Jumwa & Suleiman Dori & 7 MCAs (6 Homabay & 1 Busia). However NEC has invited them to appear in person before it to respond to accusations before action is taken.
— The ODM Party (@TheODMparty) December 4, 2018
The errant members, Mr Sifuna explained, will be invited before the party’s National Executive Council at “a special meeting to be held early next year”, after which a final decision on their expulsion will be made.
Already, Ms Jumwa is fighting an intention by ODM to remove her from the powerful Parliamentary Service Commission. Minority Whip Junet Mohamed, in a letter to the Speaker of the House, has asked for guidance on how to axe her.
However , things have taken another twist as former Senator for Kakamega County has challenged the party over the expulsion of the members over their association with deputy president William Ruto.
Boni Khalwale says If ODM wants Kenyans to believe them then as they expel these the two legislatures for associating with Ruto then they should also expel Raila for associating with Uhuru.
Others who have challenged the union between Kenyatta and Odinga include FORD-Kenya Party leader Moses Wetangula who has officially announced the party’s exit from the National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition.
Khalwale further stated that Ford Kenya will in the future might make an announcement on whether they support the deputy president or not.
Boni Khalwale has supported Deputy President William Ruto’s bid to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022.
ODM & NASA termites!!!
When Raila Odinga dines with President Uhuru Kenyatta it’s okay because he’s an ordinary private citizen but when Boni Khalwale dines with William Ruto it’s hypocrisy.
What twisted moral compass guides you? You can be nauseating at times. Burukenge nyinyi
— Michael The Digital Nomad ?? (@MichaelMburu_) November 14, 2018
The outspoken Ford Kenya deputy party leader has taken the front seat in Mr Ruto’s kitchen cabinet in the region and has mobilised a series of fund drives for boda-boda operators in Kakamega County.
In the last few months, Mr Khalwale has rattled the political landscape with aggressive campaigns for Mr Ruto, complete with unusual displays of bravado.
A confident Dr Khalwale has said he will show the community the direction to take in the 2022 General Election.
“I’m confident that when the next government is formed, the Luhya will either clinch the presidency or the deputy presidency position,” he said.
Dr Khalwale’s moves in Mr Ruto’s direction have kicked off speculation about the Kakamega governor race.
The former senator appears to have curved out a niche for himself as a key player in the unfolding political campaign matrix, as Mr Ruto intensifies his forays in the western region and other parts of the country.
On October 6, Dr Khalwale represented Mr Ruto at a harambee in aid of Christ Church in Amalemba. Tellingly, he was with Faruk Kibet, Mr Ruto’s long-serving aide.