Murkomen Representing Dori, Jumwa As They Appeal Expulsion From ODM

Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen is representing Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa and Suleiman Dori (Msambweni) in fighting their expulsion from the ODM party.

In their petition, the rebel lawmakers accused the party of expelling them based on claims not recognized by any law.

Their woes began after they openly pledged to support Deputy President William Ruto’s presidential bid should he vie in the next general elections.

Defending themselves, the two noted that their support for the DP was well in line with the Building Bridges initiative which was a creation of their party leader Raila Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“The Hon Members (Jumwa and Dori) are aware of the ODM Party position to support government initiatives under the Building Bridges Initiative that arose after the ‘handshake’ between the ODM party leader, on one hand, and the President of Kenya (Jubilee Party leader).

Any such association with the government including the Deputy President was in line with this initiative, and in exercise of the freedom of association,” reads the petition filed through their lawyer Murkomen.

The duo further argued that “An allegation that the Hon Members supported a ‘presidential candidate’ other than ODM party presidential candidate is baseless and outrageous. No party has nominated such a candidate as at the time of the alleged utterances or even now for the future elections. That nomination is yet to come.”

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The party disciplinary committee, they added was not properly constituted as was the ODM National Executive Council (NEC).

“There was no NEC constituted or properly constituted on December 4, 2018 and none on January 24, 2019 or any other date as required by law and in particular Article 7.1 of ODM,” the petition continues.

While the two have expressed confidence should they lose their seats, they are seeking to appear before the National Governing Council within six months to defend their stand.