ODM reveals next MP to be removed from powerful position
ODM has in the recent past been accused of de-whipping assembly leaders.
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Speaking when he appeared on Power Breakfast show in the company of Murang’a senator Irungu Kang’ata and Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa, Mr Sifuna said that the lawmaker [Wamalwa] has been tumbling on Opposition MPs in the house, a move that has angered several of them.
He has equally faulted Mr Wamalwa of lack of humility at the critical position, a move which has brought about disquiet, even as the Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetangula faced the same axe, a fortnight ago.
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The Bungoma Senator and Ford Kenya party leader was axed as Senate Minority leader, and his position taken up by Siaya’s James Orengo, after 19 Senators unanimously voted to dethrone him.
“People who occupy leadership positions in the House need to understand that they lead people. You don’t go tumbling on people and expect ODM will spare you. I can tell you my brother Wamalwa, you will not even hold that position beyond this week,” Mr Sifuna told a silent Wamalwa on TV.
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Unmoved Wamalwa, however, revealed that his closeness to Mr Odinga saw him campaign for him in 2017, and as a show of gratitude, the National Super Alliance summit, led by Mr Odinga, crowned him the Deputy Minority leadership position in the National Assembly.
On Monday, the Kiminini MP accused ODM party of disrespecting Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula, despite being a co-principal in the National Super Alliance.
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“If ODM do not want to respect Wetangula as a co-principal, then even me, I'm ready to give my seat. I'm ready to let go the seat if the marriage is not working,” Mr Wamalwa told KTN News on Monday.
He added: “We can’t have a leadership of NASA coalition where everybody is coming from the Lake.”
Currently, both minority leadership positions in both the Senate and the National Assembly are occupied by James Orengo (Siaya) and John Mbadi (Suba South). Both are ODM lawmakers.
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Mr Sifuna, however, took issue with the persistent and regular communication between Raila Odinga, accusing Wamalwa of dragging Mr Odinga into issues meant for parliament, yet he is not party to.
“I want to assure you as the ODM Secretary General; Hon Raila Odinga is not a party to the parliament. He is a foreigner to parliament. So don’t think that you’ll run to Hon Odinga for you to survive. Instead talk to your MPs to save you,” he said.
On Sunday, Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula in a press conference in Bungoma said he was no longer interested in the seat. He indicated he will skip the planned retreat. The Kiminini MP, equally, lauded Mr Wetang'ula for his move.
“We thought by going for dialogue, the matter is going to be solved. But we have seen threats, humiliation and embarrassment,” Mr Wamalwa said.
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