Court bars ODM from expelling Jalang'o, Ojienda and Odhiambo

The court has issued temporary orders barring the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) from expelling Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda and MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) and Felix 'Jalang'o' Odiwuor (Lang'ata) from the party.

The orders issued Tuesday by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal are pending the hearing of a case filed on Monday challenging the trio’s expulsion over allegations of violating the party’s constitution.

“In the interim and pending the hearing and determination of this Application, this Honourable Tribunal hereby issues interim conservatory orders staying the implementation and/or execution of the decision of the 1st Respondent to expel the Complainant/Applicant, Hon. Phelix Odiwuor Kodhe, from the Orange Democratic Movement Party,” read court papers.

The matter has been set for mention on September 25.

Ojienda, Odhiambo and Jalang’o were shown the door last Wednesday alongside MPs Caroli Omondi (Suba South) and Gideon Ochanda (Bondo).

They were accused of violating ODM’s constitution and the Political Parties Act 2011 by openly associating with and supporting activities of a rival political outfit, as well as opposing lawful decisions made by party organs.

During a meeting with Migori County ODM delegates on Friday, ODM leader Raila Odinga defended the expulsion, saying the party can only be strong when its members are united and disciplined.

The Azimio leader rebuked the five for what he termed as betraying the party, further daring them to resign from their elective seats and seek fresh mandates from the people on new party tickets.