The removal of five ODM rebel Members of Parliament could have significant consequences for the current crisis negotiations involving President William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga. Both sides have acknowledged that this event could impact their ongoing dialogue.
As reported by the Saturday Nation, by expelling these MPs due to their ties with the ruling coalition, Mr. Odinga’s party seems to be setting a strategic move to challenge the President, as they are now looking to exclude these rebels from parliamentary committees.
According to the publication, if the MPs aligned with the majority government obstruct the Orange party’s initiatives in Parliament, allies of Mr. Odinga have cautioned that this could be interpreted as a lack of commitment from the President in the ongoing negotiations.
In the event that ODM succeeds in their efforts, the rebel MPs might accuse the government of betraying them when they needed support.
ODM chairman John Mbadi has stated that the Orange party does not anticipate encountering any obstacles or frustration in taking action against the rebel MPs.
“There should be respect from the other side. ODM has the right to make changes in the committees and we do not expect any frustrations because that would be misbehaviour,” Mr Mbadi said.
Senator Godfrey Osotsi from Vihiga expressed concern that the timing of the expulsion of the rebel members should be a cause for worry for those affected. He said Dr Ruto has nothing to lose if he decides not to protect them from the purge.
“One of the agenda items in the talks is interference in political parties. If Ruto tries to help them, he would basically be undermining the talks. The timing of their expulsion is critical.”
National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, in a statement to the Saturday Nation, emphasized that it’s unsustainable for the expelled members to continue receiving the benefits associated with ODM membership.
He stated, “Once they are expelled by the party, they must be deprived of any benefits provided to them as ODM members. They must relinquish all party-related positions. This process will commence without delay because their continued occupancy of these positions is no longer feasible.”
Mr. Odinga has accused the errant members of obstructing the opposition’s progress, and his allies have revealed their intention to remove the expelled MPs from parliamentary committees sponsored by the party.
The former premier emphasized that President Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza must uphold ideologies, adhere to the Constitution, and respect the rules of rival political groups to promote the growth of political parties. Additionally, he advised leaders elected on the party ticket to either align with the party’s stance and maintain loyalty or resign and seek re-election.
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