ODM suspends top officials in county assembly over wrangles

Suba Mp John Mbadi (left) with Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga speaking to Journalist at Orange house office Nairobi,on 28/4/2015.The leaders said that Jubilee Government had lost moral authority to govern.[PHOTO.FIDELIS KABUNYI/STANDARD]

Kisumu, Kenya: The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has cracked the whip on its party leaders in the Kisumu County Assembly.

The party has suspended Leader of Majority Samuel Ong'ow and his deputy John Olum and ordered they be probed for misconduct.

According to a letter signed by party Secretary General Ababu Namwamba, the two have been suspended for gross misconduct.

"The suspension is effective from today, April 29, 2015. The party has referred the matter to the disciplinary committee for appropriate action," the letter read in part.

"We wish to issue a very stern warning to all party-sponsored leaders in all counties across the country that ODM will not condone any form of misconduct and impunity that is putting at risk Kenyans' dream of seamless devolution," it reads.

VACATE IMMEDIATELY

Mr Namwamba said Mr Ong'ow and Mr Olum were suspended following recent violent incidents witnessed in the assembly. The two were ordered out of office immediately.

On Tuesday, there was drama at the county assembly when Deputy Speaker Pamela Jossy collapsed and was rushed to Avenue hospital following a fight with members.

Jossy however insisted on occupying the speaker's chair arguing that she was the legal speaker owing to her position as deputy.

Jossy's entry was blocked by the sergeant-at-arms leading to a confrontation. She fell and was rushed to hospital by her aides.

What angered the ODM hierarchy is the chaos coming just days after party leader Raila Odinga intervened in the dispute and agreed with the parties to have Jossy chair the sessions in the interim.

The county administration has been embroiled in wrangles for a long time which has caused residents start collecting signatures to dissolve the government.

Deputy Governor Ruth Odinga and the impeached speaker Ann Adul both accuse Governor Jack Ranguma of misusing public funds and want the executive and Members of County Assembly (MCAs) sent home. Mr Ranguma, however, denies the accusations.

ODM headquarters seems to be acting on the recommendations of the Oduor Ong'wen task force, which was tasked to find out the causes of conflicts at the county.

No communication

The report, which was released in February found out that Kisumu County Assembly and County Executive are characterised by mutual suspicion, hostility, non-cooperation and backstabbing.

In its findings, the report notes that each of the key protagonists: Speaker Adul, Governor Ranguma and Leader of Minority Edwin Anayo, do not appreciate the spirit of devolution as outlined in the Constitution.

Jossy said she will sue the sergeant-at-arms who assaulted her.

"I am going to record a statement with the police, fill a P3 form and file a legal suit against the sergeant-at-arms who assaulted me. I want to know on whose orders he was acting," Jossy said from her hospital bed.

When asked about their suspension, Ong'ow and Olum denied receiving any communication from the ODM headquarters.

"I am not privy to any communication from ODM headquarters suspending me from the assembly leadership nor summoning me to appear before the party disciplinary committee," said Ong'ow.

Olum dismissed the communication as rumour saying he had not received a letter or summons.