By-elections on the cards as party rejects appeal by rebels

The country may soon be subjected to a series of by-elections barely eight months before the next general elections expected in August 2017.
This follows the rejection of an appeal by by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Governing Council.
The rebel leaders in their appeal through their lawyer Kioko Kilukumi, said they only attended the launch of Jubilee Party as “invitees” hence ODM cannot consider them to have defected.
 
However, the special session of the National Governing Council (NGC) said the expelled members violated the ODM constitution and the Political Parties law and must now face the electorate.
ODM chairman John Mbadi said the rebels were not remorseful when they appeared before the disciplinary committee.
“We have followed the due process in expelling the rebels and the decision is final,” he said.
The expelled rebel leaders are Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya, Kisii Deputy Governor Joash Maangi, Kwale woman representative Zainab Chidzuga, Steven Kariuki (Mathare), Isaac Mwaura (nominated), John Waluke (Sirisia), Samuel Arama (Nakuru Town West), Masoud Mwahima (Likoni), Ababu Namwamba (Budalang’i) and Viwandani MCA Samwel Nyang’wara.
 
Last month, in a move to discipline errant members who have decamped or openly declared their desire to work with the rival Jubilee Party.
ODM directed acting secretary-general of the outfit’s position and decision on the appeal.
The action now means the electoral commission must now seek funds from the Treasury to conduct the by-elections.