Former Prime Minister and Azimio leader Raila Odinga has issued a challenge to Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, urging him to seek re-election if he intends to collaborate with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Speaking at an ODM recruitment drive in Nairobi on Sunday February 4, Odinga disclosed that he had contacted rebel MPs, advising them to undergo re-election before aligning with the ruling party.
“We have collectively agreed that all MPs elected under our party banner serve a five-year term. If you choose to depart from ODM and align with UDA, then step down from Parliament and seek re-election under the UDA ticket,” he asserted firmly.
“In Nairobi, we specifically have the Lang’ata MP, among others. We’ve communicated to them that we are returning to the grassroots, and if they secure re-election on the UDA platform, that is acceptable, but we must go through the electoral process again.”
The party has been entangled in a dispute with several lawmakers since last year, accusing them of defecting to UDA. Notable figures among these lawmakers include Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, Suba MP Caroli Omondi, Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda, and Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo.
All five MPs faced expulsion from ODM’s National Executive Committee for actions deemed contrary to the official party stance. A legal battle ensued as the lawmakers fought to retain their seats, ultimately gaining a temporary reprieve from the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal Chairperson Desma Nungo.
“Pending the hearing and determination of the suits, the office of the Registrar of Political Parties is barred from effecting and enforcing the decision of ODM by removing the complainants as members of the party,” ruled Nungo at the time.
The MPs, having met with President William Ruto on September last year at State House, maintained their defiance, asserting that they owed no apologies.
They argued that meeting the Head of State was not a transgression, citing instances of other party leaders engaging with the President without facing expulsion.
