ODM Stopped From Expelling MP Elisha Odhiambo

Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo has received a temporary reprieve from being expelled from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and removed from parliamentary committees.

The PPDT has instructed ODM not to act on a report from its disciplinary committee that recommended Odhiambo's expulsion along with four other lawmakers for allegedly defying the party on various matters. The tribunal has deemed the matter urgent and scheduled it for mention on September 20, 2023, with ODM and the Registrar of Political Parties listed as the first and second respondents, respectively.

“On the interim and pending the hearing and determination of this Application, this Honorable Tribunal hereby issues interim orders barring the 1st Respondent from removing the Complainant, Elisha Ochieng Odhiambo, as a committee member of the Departmental Committee on Energy and Members Service and Facilities Committee in the National Assembly.” reads part of the orders issued.

The tribunal has also prohibited ODM from taking any action to expel Odhiambo from the party or remove him from the two parliamentary committees where he currently serves as a member. The tribunal's orders have initiated a legal dispute between the party and rebel MPs who have individually pledged to contest the ODM's decision. ODM expelled five lawmakers including Felix Odiwuor, Elisha Odhiambo, Caroli Omondi, Gideon Ochanda, and Tom Ojienda, for violating the party's stance on different issues. A report released last week detailed the allegations of gross misconduct against them.  

Former nominated MP Wilson Sossion believes that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is losing important supporters due to its operational approach. Sossion has called for the ODM to conduct more thorough internal evaluations. He has noted that the party seems to lack internal democracy specifically during its primaries. Sossion stresses that all political parties must now prioritize and endorse internal democracy policies to remain relevant.