Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, famously known as Jalang’o, has approached the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT) to challenge the decision made by the ODM party to expel him as one of its members.
During the PPDT session on Wednesday, Jalang’o, represented by his lawyer Tom Ojienda, raised concerns regarding his expulsion from the party. He asserted that due process had not been followed in the proceedings leading to his expulsion. According to Jalang’o, he was not adequately served with crucial documents and was denied the opportunity to present his defense adequately. He also argued that the actions attributed to him, which led to his removal from the party, were not severe enough to warrant such a punitive action.
“Restore my status as a Member of the ODM Party which stood jeopardized by the notification by the Party to the Registrar of Political Parties seeking my removal from the Party’s Register,” he told the Tribunal.
Moreover, Jalang’o’s legal team challenged the jurisdiction and composition of the disciplinary committee that handled his case.
In response, ODM Party, represented by Advocate Samuel Makori, contended that Jalang’o was not technically expelled but was considered to have resigned under Section 14(1)(e) of the Political Parties Act. This section permits a party to terminate its relationship with a member whose conduct aligns with promoting the ideologies or interests of another political party.
“The legislator chose not to attend his own Disciplinary Hearing and instead on the date of his hearing attended a Presidential Function which according to them demonstrated his newfound dalliance and affection for the Ruling Coalition,” Makori added.
The party’s argument centered on Jalang’o’s actions, including meetings with both the President and Deputy President during a period of heightened opposition to the Government by the Azimio coalition. These meetings occurred at a time when protests were being championed against the UDA Government regarding the high cost of living.
ODM urged the tribunal to dismiss Jalang’o’s case, asserting that he was given ample opportunity to present his defense during the proceedings.
By Natiri