Rebel ODM MPs Jumwa and Dori start fight to save their seats

Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa (right) and Msambweni MP Suleiman Dori flanked by coast leaders addressing the press after appearing before ODM NEC committee. [Beverlyne Musili/Standard]

Embattled Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa and her Msambweni counterpart Suleiman Dori have appealed the decision to expel them from ODM.

Ms Jumwa (right) and Mr Dori, through lawyer Kipchumba Murkomen, are arguing that the party's disciplinary committee that found them guilty disregarded its own constitution during the hearings.

The two have requested for an opportunity to appear before the National Governing Council (NGC) to defend their position before any decision is taken.

“The members pray to be accorded their rightful entitlement in the Constitution and the ODM constitution to appear, represented by a counsel, before the NGC within six months as provided by article 8.4.5 of the ODM constitution to defend themselves against the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and approval by NEC,” reads their letter to the party.

The letter dated February 2 and received on February 5, is addressed to the Orange party’s NGC chairperson, who is also the party leader, Raila Odinga.

Jumwa, who is also a Parliamentary Service Commissioner member, and Dori were found guilty of openly showing disrespect to the party leader and insinuating they had decamped by expressing their support for Deputy President William Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid.

But according to their lawyer, the two MPs have remained loyal to ODM and were only associating with Dr Ruto in the spirit of the 'handshake’.