You don’t scare me, Chidzuga tells ODM officials

Kwale Women Representative Zainab Chidzuga has laughed off a decision by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to expel her from the party.

Speaking in Kwale on Tuesday, Chidzuga said that she would not be scared by the expulsion, adding that her fate rests with the people of her county.

“The move by ODM to expel me from the party is laughable and holds no water because I have the law that protects me. The people who have the power to expel me are my constituents,” said a defiant Chidzuga.

He hit out at ODM Secretary General Agnes Zani for making a resolution to expel her saying she will still hold her position.

“How come when other members leave other parties to join ODM, there are no voices of discontent within ODM but when their members leave to join other parties it becomes an issue? This is a sign of dictatorship.”

Chidzuga further noted that she was not scared of a by-election saying she has what it takes to floor any opponent that would face her.

“During the 2013 elections, I got more votes than what the governor got, meaning I am in control. I am ready for a by-election any day because I know I will still win.”

Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya also rubbished the party’s resolutions saying it was too early for anyone to eye his seat.

“I have seen people walking around eyeing my seat thinking there will be a by-election. We all know that the next elections will be in 2017, so for now we will focus on serving people,” he said.

His deputy Fatuma Achani also laughed off the resolution saying there would be no by-election, adding that she was ready to take over as governor should Mvurya be removed from office.

Fatuma however exuded confidence of winning the seat should there be a by-election.

Chidzuga and Mvurya were among the 10 legislators that ODM expelled in a resolution approved by the party’s governing council on Monday.

Others were Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, MPs Ababu Namwamba (Budalang’i), Isaac Mwaura (Nominated), John Waluke (Sirisia), Steve Kariuki (Mathare), Samuel Arama (Nakuru Town West), Masoud Mwahima (Likoni) and Viwandani MCA Samuel Nyangwara.

The party organ also resolved to pardon Governor Ukur Yatani and Igembe Central MP Kubai Iringo, while giving MPs Gideon Mung’aro (Kilifi North), Chachu Ganya (North Horr), Mustafa Idd (Kilifi South), James Rege (Karachuonyo) and Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East) more time to plead their case.

Several MPs however vowed to appeal the decision within the party structures and even go as far as the Supreme Court to have the decision reverted.