ODM dismisses Munya's defence of Ranguma

KISUMU: The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has told the newly elected Council of Governors (CoG) Chairman Peter Munya to keep off its affairs.

Mr Munya had criticised ODM's disciplinary committee for summoning Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma on Monday over the unending wrangles in the county assembly.

Munya said parties should not assume roles vested in other constitutional bodies such as the office of the Auditor General and the Ethics and Anti-corruption commission.

Ranguma boycotted the Fred Athuok-led committee that sat in a hotel in Kisumu, citing other engagements on the same day.

The committee had summoned Ranguma, his deputy Ruth Odinga and the assembly Chief Whip Isaiah Onyango to shed light on the wrangles at the assembly.

Blind defence

"My learned friend Munya should keep off ODM's internal disciplinary issues. The people of Kisumu are suffering and they need answers," said Mr Athuok.

Nominated Senator Harold Kipchumba, who chaired the Monday sessions, said the disciplinary committee is an independent arm of the party and has a right to summon any member of ODM to appear before it.

"Ranguma is Kisumu Governor thanks to ODM and should therefore heed to the calls by the party," he said.

Kipchumba said Munya should stick to his role and understand that ODM is only interested in improving performance of the devolved units especially for the counties under their control.

ODM Director of political affairs Opiyo Wandayi said governors just like any other ODM members, are answerable to the party on matters of discipline.

And Nyando MP Fred Outa lashed Munya for defending governors blindly.