Political storm brews in ODM as Jumwa, Dori summoned

The ODM party was on Saturday fighting a political storm after summoning Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori and his Malindi counterpart Aisha Jumwa for disciplinary action, deepening serious cracks within its ranks at the Coast.

The party’s disciplinary committee has also summoned 10 other lawmakers from Nakuru, Homa Bay and Nyamira counties who are expected to appear before it on October 10.

ODM has been keen to stem any rebellion in its Coast, Western and Nyanza strongholds following a political truce between President Uhuru Kenyatta and the party's leader Raila Odinga.

That pact has resulted in Deputy President William Ruto frequenting the opposition zones, dishing out goodies in terms of development projects, appointing point-men and rallying support for himself.

WILLIAM RUTO

Key among his point-men in the region have been Ms Jumwa and Mr Dori who have declared that their support for Mr Ruto will not dwindle despite ODM threats to punish rebel MPs.

In a letter dated September 19, the lawmakers have been asked to show-cause why they should not be disciplined.

The letter was signed by Mr Fred Athuok, chairman of the ODM Disciplinary Committee. Other members present during the meeting that resolved to summon the said politicians are Harold Kipchumba, Mohamed Yunus and Halima Daro.

“The disciplinary committee has also issued the notice to show-cause letters to several members of Homa Bay County and will act on the same accordingly,” the letter reads.

On Saturday, the two were unavailable for comments when reached by the Sunday Nation, but Ms Jumwa’s supporters protested her party’s decision to summon her for disciplinary action.

Mr Hosea Hagai Chome, the ODM chairman in Malindi, said Ms Jumwa is still in ODM until 2022.

TRUCE

The MP in March this year declared publicly that she would support Mr Ruto in the 2022 elections and has since been working with the DP together with other lawmakers from the region.

However, some supporters feel it’s not right for the MP to be victimised because she is embracing the handshake initiated by party leader.

The letter from ODM was sent as Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho jetted back into the country early this week from his official trip in London.

Coast politicians against Mr Joho's 2022 presidential bid and who have thrown their weight behind DP Ruto include MP’s Badi Twalib (Jomvu), Ms Jumwa and Ali Mbogo (Kisauni).

But the governor said he will meet Kenya’s political bigwigs and those with huge networks to secure his ambition.

DEFIANCE

In Nyamira, MCAs Duke Masira, who is also the majority leader, George Abuga Morara, Damaris Nyarangi, Abel Mose Mokaya, Carolyne Mogere and Monica Mwamba have been summoned.

Ms Immaculate Adhiambo of Busia and Peter Palang’a, minority leader in Nakuru County assembly, are also expected at Orange House.

“The party disciplinary mechanisms will soon kick in and we will inform the public in due time on our next cause of action,” Mr Athuok said.

Mr Athuok said the law required that members facing such action must be given an opportunity to defend themselves.

“I want to confirm that I am still a life member of ODM. My utterances were comprehended due to different levels of understanding. My loyalty to this party is unconditional,” Mr Dori’s letter, dated August 4 to chairman John Mbadi, read.

In the Nyamira, ODM party last month wrote to the Ward Reps asking them to explain in writing why they defied the party's position to kick out Deputy Speaker Duke Omoti.

Reporting by Kennedy Kimanthi, Charles Lwanga, Winnie Atieno, Ruth Mbula and Fadhili Fredrick