Opposition leader Raila Odinga has extended an olive branch to Orange Democratic rebel MP Aisha Jumwa saying he is ready to forgive the defiant lawmaker once she calms down and apologises. The Malindi MP was kicked out of ODM for disloyalty and disrespecting party leadership after she publicly supported Deputy President William Ruto’s presidential ambition against the party’s constitution.
peaking after he visited Toi Market that was razed down by fire on the morning of Tuesday, March 12, the ODM party leader said he had no intentions to harm anybody and as a father he was open to forgive stubborn and disobedient children just like he did to Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori.
“I don’t have intentions to harm anybody. I am a father and I need to accommodate both the obedient and stubborn children. Those that find themselves at fault and are apologetic will be forgiven,” said Raila. “Suleiman Dori came crying and he was pardoned. If Aisha Jumwa comes and pleads her case she can also be forgiven. ODM is still intact and determined to pursue its agenda,” he added.
I am a father and I need to accommodate both the obedient and stubborn children. Those that find themselves at fault and are apologetic will be forgiven,” said Raila. “Suleiman Dori came crying and he was pardoned. If Aisha Jumwa comes and pleads her case she can also be forgiven. ODM is still intact and determined to pursue its agenda,” he added.
The former prime minister said the party was in tact and more focused to unite the country in coordination with President Uhuru Kenyatta. After months of bitter relationship with the Orange party, the National Governing Council unanimously approved expulsion of Jumwa on Friday, March 1. Following the expulsion, the defiant lawmaker received a heroic welcome by her constituents who claimed their legislator was a victim of political witch hunt hatched by her perceived enemies.
Jumwa and Dori were in record for supporting Deputy President William Ruto’s presidential ambition. Dori, however, apologised for his action and his case was deferred for a later hearing within 60 days. “Party NGC unanimously votes to expel Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa from the party. The meeting, however, deferred the decision to expel her Msambweni counterpart Suleiman Dori following his letter in which he apologised to the party for his rebellion,” the party stated.