ODM to discipline members who opposed law

Kenya's coalition partner, the Orange Democratic movement (ODM) party moved to start disciplinary action against Higher Education minister William Ruto and other party members who opposed the passage of the proposed constitution.

The party’s Parliamentary Group’s Thursday meeting resolved to lock out the all their MPs who campaigned and voted against the new law from the Parliamentary Oversight Committee, critical to the implementation of the new constitution.

70 MPs who included former Starehe MP Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, who campaigned against the draft law, attended the meeting.

Secretary General Prof Anyang’ Nyongo said there was no way any party member facing disciplinary action would enjoy the same status like they did before.

“It would be highly unlikely that a person facing disciplinary action can at the same time enjoy the same status like they had enjoyed before,” he said.

“If you spare the rod, you spoil the child,” he added.

The Cabinet minister went on: “ The party is like a club. When a decision is to be made on any issue, the necessary organs must be consulted. Our PG has made its recommendation to the party.”

The Parliamentary Group Secretary Mr Ababu Namwamba, who read the resolutions scoffed at calls for the two principals to lead amendments to the new law.

“Any proposal to amend the Constitution is provided for in the constitution itself and is no longer the responsibility of the two principals,” he said.

The party further congratulated Kenyans for overwhelmingly passing the document at the August 4 referendum.

They particularly paid tribute to President Kibaki and the PNU counterparts for a ‘job well done’.

“The President has shown strong leadership,” said Mr Namwamba.

Any proposal to amend the constitution is provided for in the constitution itself and is no longer the responsibility of the two principals.