Seven ODM MCAs suspended for disregarding party decision

Seven members of the Migori County Assembly have been suspended from the county’s NASA parliamentary group for going against the party’s decision in the election of the County Assembly Speaker.

The seven ODM nominated MCAs are accused of failing to vote for Boaz Okoth, who clinched the Speaker’s seat during the repeat election held on Monday, February 12.

Migori parliamentary group chairman Abraham Kagali said the seven lawmakers had been given 14 days to show cause why they should not be expelled from the party and consequently lose their seats.

“We had a meeting as the NASA coalition and agreed to front the current Migori county assembly speaker Boaz Okoth, however the seven betrayed our decision, therefore, they have to face action from the coalition,” said Mr. Kagali.

Nominated MCA Caroline Okere, however, expressed concern over what he described as intimidation of ODM nominated MCAs in Migori, urging the party’s top leadership to intervene and address the matter.

Her sentiments were echoed by MCA Jacky Gard who also questioned the criteria the parliamentary group chairman used to identify the seven NASA MCAs who did not vote as agreed, if the election was free and fair.

The Migori ODM Party Secretary-General, Joseph Olala, however faulted the move by the county parliamentary group saying such a decision would divide and weaken the NASA coalition in Migori.

The High Court had ordered a repeat of the Speaker election after the disputed election Mr. Okoth in August last year was marred by chaos.

He, however, reclaimed his seat after garnering 39 votes against his sole opponent Kerario Marwa, who got 16 votes.