Ababu Namwamba is yet to hand in his resignation letter and has been given a week to make clear his party position.
The Orange Democratic Movement’s National Executive Council (NEC) on Thursday gave the apostate Namwamba some unspecified internal sanctions should he fail to do so.
In a meeting that lasted two-and-a-half-hours at Orange House, Nairobi and chaired by Raila saw Nominated Senator Dr Agnes Zani appointed acting secretary general.
“NEC noted that Ababu has been absent from duty for several weeks now. NEC resolved to give him seven days to resume duty or formally communicate his decision to the party for appropriate action,” said Dr Zani.
Ababu insists he resigned his secretary general position following frustrations by the party with Zani arguing that the position has enormous responsibility and cannot remain vacant.
The meeting also discussed the position of Vice Chairman Paul Otuoma who resigned at the same time with Ababu a fortnight ago. No one was appointed for the vice chairman position may be because Otuoma has been serving alongside two other vice chairmen Turkana Governor Josephat Nanok and Aldai MP Adan Keynan.
Ababu has been on the wrong side of Cord supporters this week following a statement on Wednesday saying that Raila has not been to Budalangi since 2007 when he was seeking support for his presidential bid.
According to Ababu, he helped the opposition leader during the 2013 election campaigns garner massive votes even without Odinga setting foot in the area.
"The last time they came to Budalangi was nine years ago when he came to look for kuras (votes) in 2007. In 2013, I made sure he got the kuras (votes) nonetheless," he said.
Shortly after the statement, a 2014 Facebook post was put up and shared massively on social media. The post had a photo showing Raila holding hands with Ababu contradicting the MP's statement.
The post was also captioned: “Sincere appreciation to my Party Leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Amollo Odinga for visiting us in Budalang'i."
A week earlier, Ababu vehemently denied knowing city lawyer Edwin Sifuna, who had at one point overthrown Namwamba from his position in the party.
"Who is Edwin Sifuna? I know no character called Edwin Sifuna," he said.
An undated video later emerged showing Ababu showering Sifuna with praise while introducing him to a gathering.
"Edwin Sifuna, remember that name and keep it trending," he was heard saying.
According to Kenyans.co.ke, Sifuna later affirmed that they were friends adding that he had even spent time at the Budalangi lawmaker's house.
Ababu’s remarks were a mockery to a planned visit to Western region by the Cord leader aimed at solidifying his support in the area.