ODM Rejects PPDT Order Suspending Expulsion Of Three Of It’s Members

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has rejected a recent order issued by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) that temporarily suspended the party’s decision to expel three lawmakers.

The three lawmakers are Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda and MPs Elisha Odhiambo of Gem and Felix ‘Jalang’o’ Odiwuor of Lang’ata.

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna said the party will not abide by the order, which he described as “illegal” and “unwarranted”.

“We have a right to expel members who violate our party’s constitution and the Political Parties Act,” Sifuna said. “We will not allow the PPDT to interfere in our internal affairs.”

The PPDT order was issued on Tuesday, September 12, following a case filed by the three lawmakers challenging their expulsion from ODM.

The lawmakers alleged that they were expelled for political reasons and that the party’s disciplinary process was unfair.

The PPDT order will remain in force until a full hearing of the case takes place.

The hearing is scheduled to be held on October 10.

Sifuna’s rejection of the PPDT order is a sign of the growing tension between ODM and the tribunal.

The tribunal has issued several rulings against ODM in recent months, including one that ordered the party to reinstate former party leader Raila Odinga as its presidential candidate.

ODM has refused to comply with that ruling, and it is now appealing it to the High Court.

The latest dispute between ODM and the PPDT is likely to further strain relations between the two bodies.

It remains to be seen whether the PPDT will be able to enforce its order against ODM, or whether the party will continue to defy it.