Tribunal to rule on Okoth Obado's ODM membership

Migori Governor Okoth Obado. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA

What you need to know:

  • George Odede claims the governor did not formally give his former party a notice of defection before joining ODM.
  • Last week, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal indicated that it will issue its verdict today over the matter.
  • Mr Obado says the tribunal lacks the jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter.

Migori Governor Okoth Obado will today know his fate on the controversy surrounding his validity as a member of the ODM party.

This follows a legal battle against him over his defection last year from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

George Odede, an ODM member, moved to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal claiming that the governor did not formally give his former party a notice of defection before joining his current one.

Last week, the tribunal indicated that it will issue its verdict today.

Through lawyer Chrispin Odhiambo, Mr Odede accused Mr Obado of violating the Political Parties Act by failing to formally give a notice of defection from the party on which he was elected governor.

ILLEGAL

He had also argued that ODM might allow him to keep participating in its party activities, including the nominations for the upcoming General Election, contrary to the Political Parties Act, the Elections Act and the Constitution.

Despite the allegations, ODM has strongly defended Mr Obado, saying he has satisfactorily met all conditions set out as well as relevant national legislation before joining the party.

Mr Obado says the tribunal has no jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter.

Mr Odede wants it declared that Mr Obado is not a member of ODM and that his continuing association with the party is illegal.

He also wants his seat declared vacant if he has indeed resigned from PDP, but ODM insists that it may consider vetting him if he aspires to contest as an ODM candidate.