The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party now says it will initiate the process of recalling six of its lawmakers for voting in favour of the Finance Bill 2024.

ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, announcing the decision, cited the MPs disregard for the Party’s position.

The six MPs include Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Memusi Kanchory (Kajiado Central) and Benard Shinali (Ikolomani). 

“The ODM party shall initiate and lead the recall processes in the following constituencies in light of the current office holders repeated violation of their sacred oath and the wishes of the electorate,” said Sifuna.

According to the Party leadership, the decision was reached during a meeting of the party’s central committee today, June 2. 

The meeting of ODM’s top decision making organ was attended by the Party leader Raila Odinga and his two deputies, Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya.

Human Rights Abuses

Further, ODM has hit out President William Ruto for failing to take responsibility for human rights violations during the ongoing anti-government protests, as well as the government’s failure to protect life and property during the nationwide demonstrations. 

“We consider this to be Kenya’s last best chance. The youth have given our country our last best chance. We either seize it and swim with it by implementing all their demands, or we ignore it and sink the country altogether,” he said.

The party, funded by the exchequer, has also resolved to reduce its presence and activities countrywide in line with the economic situation the country is facing and has challenged the government to implement similar cost cutting measures. 

“The ODM party will support credible austerity measures in the executive and parliament. These two institutions have been expressly indicted by the people as citadels of largesse and wastage,” said Sifuna. ODM has asked its leaders to listen more to the electorate. By Denis Omondi, The Standard