KISUMU, Kenya, Feb 18 – The issue of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party “rebels” who went to State House took center stage in the Azimio La Umoja people’s baraza in Kisumu, with leaders calling for their expulsion from the party.
ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya asked for permission from his party leader Raila Odinga to deal with the rebels.
Oparanya sated that what the legislators did is an insult to the voters who voted for them under ODM party ticket.
“As the deputy party leader, I want to be given that authority to kick out those who went to State House from the party,” he said.
He noted that during the campaigns for ODM party ticket at the nomination level most of the rebel MPs staged a sit-in at Raila’s office.
Oparanya wondered why they turned their back on Raila after riding on his back while others hung on his coat to secure seats in Parliament.
“They are in Parliament as a result of Raila’s influence, they are traitors who should not be amongst us,” said Oparanya.
The sentiments was echoed by ODM party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna who says already the party has written show cause letters to the legislators on their actions.
Kisumu Senator Prof Tom Ojienda who was missing from the people’s baraza was among the legislators who attended the State House visit.
Sifuna says the party will take disciplinary action against the legislators once the process is complete.
Other leaders who spoke also condemned the actions by the legislators, whom they termed as turncoats.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang says their actions are an insult to Raila and they will not be forgiven by the community for betrayal to their party leader.
It was reported that ODM party chairman John Mbadi was denied entry at the podium and left. Mbadi was among the leaders who were in a closed door meeting with Rail before the rally but was missing at Moi Stadium.
However, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka called for peace during this revolution movement, while condemning hooliganism directed at some leaders.
“We need serious discipline, what I have seen here, there is no discipline. Even if you are supporting another candidate, don’t attack your opponent,” he said.
Kalonzo says every Kenyan who is yearning for change must remain on course and not get distracted by little fights among politicians.
