ODM expels two MPs, asks registrar to inform House Speaker of move

By Athman AmranTwo MPs could lose their seats after ODM announced it had expelled them.
The party has written to the Registrar of Political Parties, saying Assistant Minister Aden Duale, and Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto have been expelled.
ODM now wants the Registrar to inform the Speaker of the National Assembly of the move.
The party deputy Secretary General Major General (rtd) Joseph Nkaissery, said the two members have openly advocated for the formation of another political party, namely the United Democratic Movement.
Campaigned for others

Isaac Ruto: Chepalungu MP on an ODM ticket

In a letter to the Registrar of Political parties dated March 2, Nkaissery said the two members have also campaigned for the candidates of UDM and other political parties in recent by-elections for parliamentary and civic seats.
"The two members have also stated publicly that they do not support ODM policies and have stated publicly that they will not vie for elections on an ODM party ticket in subsequent elections," said Nkaissery.
The party was responding to a letter by the Registrar Lucy Ndungu, who noted that ODM has the onus of proving that the members have infringed – or deemed to have infringed – on ODM party constitution, through being associated with the formation of other parties or openly defying instructions from the party.
"Kindly, therefore, be notified and communicate cessation of membership of ODM to the Speaker of the National Assembly," said Nkaissery in the letter.
Strike off
But the Registrar of Political Parties wants ODM to first expel, remove or suspend ODM MPs Isaac Ruto (Chepalungu) and Adan Duale (Dujis) before she can strike off the members’ names from the party register.
"This action is to be taken by the party, at its own initiation. Subsequent notification to the Registrar is required, with sufficient supportive information, for additional measures to be taken," Ndung’u said during a Press conference at his offices in Nairobi.
According to the Political Parties Act Article 3, a person can be deemed to have quit his original political party if he forms another political party, joins the formation of another political party, joins another political party or in any way and manner, publicly advocates for the formation of another political party.
ODM has been arguing that the two MPs have been acting contrary to the requirements of the Political Parties Act by allegedly openly supporting rival party, PNU, and also allegedly supporting the United Democratic Movement.
Internal democracy

Aden Duale: Dujis MP on an ODM ticket

While the ODM rebels have been claiming that there is no internal democracy in ODM and allege dictatorship, the party’s constitution Article 5.4.1 (b) says that a member shall cease to be one through a resolution passed by the National Executive Committee and ratified by the National Governing Council.
A member can be expelled by "accepting an office, subscribing to or promoting activities of a political party or organisation whose aims and objectives are in competition with or conflict with those of ODM".
A party member is also expected by the ODM constitution to combat propaganda detrimental to the interests of the party and defend the objects, policies and programmes of the party.
Members are also expected to observe discipline, the Party Code of Conduct and obey lawful decision made by regular party organs.