Attempts by two suspended Kisumu County Assembly leaders to get the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) officials to defend them failed, after the party members vowed to stand by the party’s directive.
The meeting, convened in Kisumu at the ODM regional office, had as part of its agenda, the branch’s stand on the suspension of the Majority leader Samuel Ong’ow and his deputy John Olum,, who were accused of gross misconduct.
The two had hoped that the officials would rally behind them, but this was not the case after the Monday morning meeting ended in disarray.
The meeting had brought together five officials from each of the seven Sub-Counties of Kisumu and the county branch officials totaling to at least 62 delegates from the region.
Although denying that the suspension of the two was not part of the agenda, Kisumu County ODM Chairman Dave Okwatch said as a branch at the grass root level they could not go against a decision that had been made at the headquarters.
“We cannot change a decision that has been made at the headquarters as it is the final say. There is little we can do,” said Okwatch.
He had indicated that the meeting was a normal one for the branch, which happens every first Monday of every month.
Okwatch indicated that they took time during the meeting to get to understand from the MCAs what exactly has been happening at the assembly.
“Through the MCAs who have the first hand information, we were able to know what has been causing the wrangles at the assembly,” said Okwatch.
Kisumu West Chairman Max Modi said it will be wrong and shameful for a branch to overrule a decision made by the Secretary General Ababu Namwamba, who speaks on behalf of the party.
“The top party organ takes its time to investigate a matter and therefore their decision is thoroughly searched and we cannot go against it no matter what,” said Modi.
Following this, Modi said they could not even allow the officials to start discussing the matter.
He added that the affected assembly leaders will have to defend themselves at the disciplinary committee where they will have a chance to clear their names.
Namwamba last week warned all party sponsored leaders in all counties that ODM will not condone such acts of impunity and disorder putting at risk Kenyans’ dream of devolution.