Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Friday, September 8 made changes to its National Executive Committee (NEC) following a series of resignations and defections.
According to the list released by the party, Kisii Governor Simba Arati assumed the position of Deputy National Chairperson. Arati took over from Janet Ong’era.
Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo took over from Florence Mutua as the Deputy Secretary General in the opposition party.
Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi replaced Zulekha Hassan as the Deputy Organising Secretary.
Another change effected by the ODM Party led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was in the position of Deputy National Treasurer where the Kwale Woman Representative assumed the role, taking over from Ogla Karani.
Migori Senator Eddie Oketch was named Secretary for Humanitarian and Disaster Management Affairs replacing Bob Njagi while Kakamega Woman Representative Elsie Muhanda replaced former MP Justus Kizito as the Secretary for Security.
The new officials were picked to spearhead the party’s operations days after expelling some lawmakers accused of working with the rivals.
In a statement to newsrooms on Wednesday, September 6, the NEC after a meeting chaired by party leader Raila Odinga and National Chairman John Mbadi, stated that the decision was arrived at following the consideration of a report by the disciplinary committee which had been looking into the conduct of some members.
The five 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.
They were accused of violating the party 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.
Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris was also reprimanded for her “outright defiance of the party position on the punitive Finance Bill 2023.”
She was ordered to issue a written apology to the party within 7 days, and fined Ksh250,000 to be paid within 60 days.
