ODM moves to replace suspended leaders

The Kisumu County Assembly in session. House business was adjourned yesterday to allow for an ODM Kamukunji. [PHOTO: FILE/STANDARD]

Kisumu, Kenya: The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has started the process of replacing top Kisumu County Assembly leaders suspended last week.

ODM Secretary General Ababu Namwamba wrote to the assembly asking for directions on how to move forward and ensure the assembly's operations are not crippled.

As a result, the assembly's Majority Whip Isaiah Onyango called for an adjournment of the assembly on Wednesday morning for members to deliberate on who would lead the majority party in the assembly.

"We are adjourning the house this afternoon and revert to a Kamukunji where we can discuss party issues and the way forward in the assembly," said Mr Onyango.

The Orange party last week cracked the whip on Samuel Ong'ow, the majority leader, and his deputy John Olum over alleged gross misconduct.

The two are set to face the party's disciplinary committee tomorrow to clear their names.

Assembly Clerk Owen Ojuok confirmed his office had received the suspension letter of the two leaders and they are requested to present themselves to the committee to be chaired by Fred Athuok.

They are to be accompanied to the committee by two witnesses each.

NOT CERTAIN                                                                                        

There are reports the party is in possession of names to be considered for the position of Majority leader, including Maina Koko and Elijah Omondi, both from Nyakach Sub-county and  Aggrey Ogosi ( East Seme).

The three have been supporting Deputy Speaker Pamela Jossy during the stalemate over who to chair the house sessions.

Another name that has been mooted for the same position is nominated member Aslam Khan, who is an ODM party stalwart who has been involved in all the by-elections campaigns including Homa Bay, Kajiado and the just concluded Kabete one.

Further reports indicate the party is considering MCAs Benter Ndeda (West Seme) and Paul Achayo (Migosi) for the deputy majority leader's position to replace Olum.

The election of the new leaders is however not certain, with a source within the house disclosing that it was resolved they will await the fate of the two suspended leaders.