Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairperson John Mbadi has ruled out forgiving the rebel members.
Mbadi, who was speaking in Migori during a meeting presided over by ODM party leader Raila Odinga, said many people who have been supported by the party have betrayed it once they are elected.
He said those who have betrayed the party will never be allowed to return as only loyal members are wanted.
ODM had earlier expelled rebels from the party accusing them of colluding with the ruling regime led by President William Ruto.
The five who were shown the door are Members of Parliament Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Felix Odiwuor ‘Jalang’o’ (Lang’ata), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.
Raila supported the decision stating that the party can only be strong when its members are united and disciplined.
He hence rebuked the said rebel leaders for what he termed as betraying the party, further daring them to resign from their elective seats and seek fresh mandates from the people on new party tickets.
“ODM must be strong as a political party…the party can be strong when there Is discipline….it cannot progress when there are cases of indiscipline,” he said.
“We want to see unity…you can’t move to another party claiming that you are looking for development. There are structures the leaders can use to get development. We don’t want betrayal.”
He added: “That’s why we took actions against those not loyal to the party. If you think you are ballsy enough, just come back to the ground.”
The five ousted lawmakers were accused of violating the ODM party’s Constitution and the Political Parties Act 2011 by openly associating with and supporting activities of a rival political outfit, as well as opposing lawful decisions made by party organs.
The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) hence said they are “deemed to have resigned,” and will now “commence the process of removing them from the register.”
However, Political Parties Dispute Tribunal chairperson Desma Nungo issued the orders stopping ODM from implementing the decision to expel the five MPs pending the determination of suits filed challenging the expulsion.
“Pending the hearing and determination of the suits, the office of the Registar of Political Parties is barred from effecting and enforcing the decision of ODM by removing the complainants as members of the party,” ruled Nungo.
