Orange Democratic secretary general Ababu Namwamba has dismissed a few disgruntled members of the party who have in the recent past accused the party of intimidating members who dared differ in opinions with the common stand of the party.
Speaking in South Mugirango during a meet people tour on Sunday, Ababu said the party respected the freedom of speech and association but insisted that members had to adhere to certain party regulations for the purposes of growth.
He said divergent opinions were welcome but asked members to also respect the party’s constitution which was formed in compliance with principles of democracy.
“ODM was founded on principles of democracy and it allows its members to express themselves democratically. However, we have certain regulations in our constitution that all members know. It will be appropriate if they follow the party’s rules even if they disagreed with options of the majority,” he said.
Namwamba said that the party was not going to tolerate members who were pretending to be loyal with the party yet they were dinning with ruling Jubilee coalition.
“But the party will always take an action against members who showed an interest of working with Jubilee. When you differ with the party’s decisions, you bring your suggestions forward but not running to Jubilee, we will otherwise crack a whip on you,” he said.
He urged residents to remain loyal to the Orange party and called for unity among the party’s Kisii County leadership which has been going through tribulations.
“On behalf of the party, I want to thank Kisii County people for standing solidly behind our party. All we need is leadership and unity among all party’s elected leaders,” he said.