The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has warned that it will not entertain rebels.
Secretary-General, Nairobi-based lawyer Edwin Sifuna on Sunday warned that the Raila Odinga-led party will crack a whip on members who have shifted allegiance to party rivals.
Several ODM MPs in the larger coastal region are supporting Jubilee Party's Deputy President Wiliam Ruto ahead of 2022 general, citing the famous handshake between their party leader Odinga, and President Uhuru Kenyatta on March 9, this year.
The two said they would work together for the country's peace, and forget their political differences. MPs Aisha Jumwa (Malindi), Khatib Mwashetani (Lunga Lunga), Badi Twalib (Jomvu), Suleiman Dori are some of the ODM MPs who have pledged to walk with Ruto.
However, Sifuna sounded a warning on Sunday saying such politicians should step down from their seats and call for a fresh election in their respective constituencies under their new-found parties.
"If you were elected through an ODM party ticket, respect those who voted for you. ODM is a big party, it's a no joke party. We have always field candidates across the country in every election, and the party always wins, from MCA to the presidential post. From 2007, ODM has always had candidates in all those posts," said Sifuna.
He was speaking during a service at Osogo Anglican Church, West Kanyumkago Ward, in Uriri Constituency, Migori County, where he was flanked by area MP Mark Nyamita, MPs Anthony Oluoch, and Nominated MP Godfrey Osotsi.
"ODM 'ni chama kikubwa' and it will not change. ODM in 2022 will have a Presidential candidate. You can take that to the bank...When you as a member of ODM, knowing very well that the party will have present a presidential candidate and you start to campaign for a rival party, what are you telling us?" he added.