ODM to discipline opponents of Kenya new law

Written By:KBC reporters , Posted: Thu, Aug 12, 2010

ODM party Thursday said disciplinary action will be taken against all its members who opposed the new constitution.

ODM Secretary General Anyang Nyong'o said that that the decision was reached after the party's parliamentary group meeting.

Without giving details, Nyong'o said that the meeting initiated the process of disciplining members who go against the party ideals.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters Nyong'o said the party is still deliberating on the nominees to the constitution implementation committee.

High Education Minister William Ruto and his Information counterpart Samuel Poghisio are some of the party members who spearheaded the NO campaigns ahead of the just concluded referendum.

The party resolved to lock out the all their MPs who campaigned and voted against the new law from the Parliamentary Oversight Committee that is critical to the implementation of the new constitution.

On Sunday civil society groups called for sacking of ministers who were in the 'No' camp.

The lobbyists urged the two principals to sack the ‘No' ministers for trying to derail the constitution making process.

Special Programmes minister Dr Naomi Shabaan was also against the new constitution. A number of assistant ministers, including Margaret Wanjiru (Housing), Linah Kilimo (Co-operatives Development) Wilfred Machage (Roads) Jackson Kiptanui (Environment), and William Cheptumo (Justice and Constitutional Affairs) have also been campaigning against the document

Currently, Dr Machage, who is Kuria MP, is suspended over hate comments he is alleged to have uttered while campaigning against the proposed laws.