In recent events, the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal has taken action to suspend the expulsion of three parliamentarians affiliated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party. The MPs in question are Elisha Odhiambo, representing Gem, Phelix Odiwuor from Lang’ata, and Tom Ojienda, who holds the position of Kisumu Senator.
This unprecedented decision by the tribunal is a ray of hope for the embattled MPs. The tribunal has unequivocally stated that this suspension will remain in effect until a comprehensive application challenging their expulsion can be properly determined. In addition, the tribunal has issued an injunction to prevent the Registrar of Political Parties from making any alterations related to the expulsion proceedings. Furthermore, the tribunal has blocked the ODM party from stripping the MPs of their roles within parliamentary committees.
The next significant milestone in this case is set for September 20, 2023, when it will be mentioned again. The MPs found themselves on the receiving end of expulsion from the Raila-led party, citing grounds of gross misconduct and disloyalty to the party as reasons for their dismissal.
In a bold move last week, the parliamentarians sought recourse through the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal, urgently requesting conservatory orders to halt ODM’s expulsion plans. Their plea also included a request to prevent the party from removing them from their respective parliamentary committee positions.
The three lawmakers, Elisha Odhiambo, Phelix Odiwuor, and Tom Ojienda, presented their motions, asserting that the party was unfairly scapegoating them due to their close relationship with the President. On the flip side, ODM’s leader, Raila Odinga, defended the party’s decision to expel these MPs.
In a previous statement, Odinga emphasized the importance of discipline within the ODM party, stating, “ODM must remain a stalwart party. The strength of our party relies on the unwavering discipline of its members. We cannot progress if we tolerate cases of indiscipline.”
The temporary suspension by the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal adds a new layer of complexity to this ongoing political saga, leaving the ultimate fate of the expelled MPs hanging in the balance.
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