ODM Executive Director Magerer Langat beaten as CORD plans to eject rebels

ODM's Magerer Langat is dragged out of a CORD parliamenatry
group meeting at Orange House [PHOTOS: GOVEDI ASUTSA/STANDARD]

NAIROBI, KENYA: The ugly spectacle of political intolerance rocked the CORD parliamentary group meeting after Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Executive Director Magerer Langat was forcefully ejected from the forum and physically assaulted.

Not even the presence of CORD leaders Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka at Thursday’s meeting in Orange House could deter the group, which reportedly included the coalition's members of the Nairobi County Assembly and some youths, as they dragged Mr Langat, handing him blows and kicks.

After roughing him up, the agitated group deflated the tyres of his vehicle as Raila and Kalonzo watched in disbelief from a distance. The Members of County Assembly (MCAs) said Langat is working against the party’s interests and accused him of being a Jubilee mole.

The group claimed they were angered with his recent remarks during a meeting between the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and political parties' representatives in Nakuru where Langat allegedly publicly disparaged the party and its leadership.

Nairobi County majority leader Elias Otieno said Langat has become a liability and does not add any value to the party. "We do not understand why he is here yet he claims the party is dead. Which party is he serving right now?" Mr Otieno asked.

He added: "We do not want to see him here again. If he wants to remain a member of the party, he is free to do so but as an ordinary member and not as an executive member of this party. That is our decision and everybody should live with it."

Otieno accused CORD MPs of failing in their mandate and noted that MCAs have taken up the role of cleaning up the party. Police had to whisk Langat to safety.

ODM Secretary General Anyang' Nyong'o condemned the attack and said the party would investigate the matter.

"We were surprised by the events that took place and we condemn them. The party will look into it immediately. It has nothing to do with democratic space within the party maybe it has to do with hooliganism," he said.

STERN WARNING

The former Kipkelion MP was appointed as the party's executive director in July last year after Janet Ongera was nominated to the Senate.

ODM Deputy Director of Communication Maseme Machuka was not spared either as the group assaulted him over claims he is allied to Langat.

Twenty-five MPs led by Kipkelion East MP Benjamin Kemei drawn from the Jubilee coalition and one from ODM condemned the attack on Langat during a press conference at Parliament buildings.

"We were not happy with what happened at Orange House. In today's Kenya where we are talking of democracy, we cannot condone such barbaric acts. It was well planned, and we have information the meeting was held to plan the attack," said Kemei.

"I was in the meeting and witnessed the way the was man handled. It was very shameful. The principal was disturbed. If we continue like this, we will all die in party elections," said Wajir Woman Representative Fatuma Ibrahim.

National Assembly Deputy Minority Leader Jakoyo Midiwo said what happened at Orange House is a criminal act and the people involved should be arrested and prosecuted.

Following the meeting at Orange House where CORD received referendum updates from the Committee of Experts, the coalition issued a stern warning against party rebels saying disciplinary action would be taken against them.

"The parliamentary group has unanimously resolved that coalition MPs who have technically decamped to serve personal interests in Parliament in contradiction to the role of CORD, as the Opposition, will be de-whipped accordingly," said Nyong'o who is also Kisumu senator.

CORD resolved to form an Okoa Kenya Technical Committee comprising senators, members of the National Assembly and MCAs to discuss and beef up the draft Bill before its submission to the IEBC.

"The Okoa Kenya Committee of Experts is hereby mandated to conduct nationwide consultations with different stakeholders on the proposed referendum issues and build consensus," stated Nyong'o.

The coalition also accused the Jubilee government of handling the security situation in Lamu, Baringo, Turkana, Kwale, Marsabit, Mandera and Wajir counties in a casual manner. "It is unfortunate that all the Government can do is issue impotent rhetoric from the comfort of their offices while our citizens continue to be massacred by marauding gangs well known in Government circles," said Nyong'o.

"The curfew imposed on Lamu County has turned into an economic weapon to stifle and weaken the livelihood of residents and should be lifted," the senator said.