The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has announced that it has begun the process of taking disciplinary action against 28 members of parliament over alleged misconduct during the Second Reading of the Finance Bill 2023.

The 28 MPs include Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris and three others who defied the party position and voted in favour of the Bill.

In a statement, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna said the decision follows complaints from general members, who were not pleased by the conduct of the legislators.

“The Party is in receipt of many complaints from its general membership regarding the conduct of its members of National Assembly during yesterday’s vote on the Finance Bill, 2023,” the statement read.

 The other three members are Wajir South MP Aden Mohamed, Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) and Caroli Omondi (Suba South).

Also summoned are 24 other legislators who were absent during the voting exercise on Wednesday evening.

“In line with the Party’s disciplinary rules, notices to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken have been issued to the members. They are expected to respond within the next 48 hours,” ODM said.

MPs who were absent during the voting exercise include Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili alias Babu Owino, Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o (Lang’ata), John Mbadi (nominated), Said Buya Hiribae (Galole), Mohamed Abdikadir Hussein (Lagdera), Paul Ekwom Nabuin (Turkana North) and John Namoit Ariko (Turkana South).

Others on the list are Hamisi Kakuta Maimai (Kajiaodo East), Parashina Samuel Sakimba (Kajiado South), Titus Khamala Mukhawana (Lurambi), Johnson Naicca Manya (Mumias West), Peter Oscar Nabulindo (Matungu) and Nicholas Scott Tindi Mwale (Butere).

Others include Christopher Wangaya Aseka (Khwisero), Joseph Marro Oyula (Butula), Wilberforce Ojambo Oundo ( Funyula), Gideon Ochanda Ogolla (Bondo), Paul Otiende Amollo (Rarieda), Eve Akinyi Obara (Kasipul), Paul Abuor (Rongo), Ogolla Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Daniel Ogwoka Manduku (Nyaribari Masaba), George Aladwa Omwera (Makadara) and Irene Nyakerario Mayaka (nominated).

Passaris in trouble

Passaris has been vocal about her support for the Finance Bill that has landed her on the disciplinary list, as ‘voting for the bill’ is considered misconduct by her party, which has been opposing the bill.

Despite being on the list, Passaris has retaliated that she believes ‘the government requires money, to function. She was among a few opposition MPs who remained behind when Azimio lawmakers staged a walkout yesterday when Treasury Cabinet Secretary Njuguna Ndung’u started reading the 2023/2024 budget.

“I would like to say that any government cannot function without money. Our country is grappling with huge debts, and we don’t want lenders to adopt austerity measures to control that,” Passaris said in an interview last night.

“So we must stand firm to ensure that our government has money. Where will we get the money if the government does not collect tax? People must be taxed so that the government can also fulfil its mandate. I have seen some good things from the budget, including an increased allocation to HELB and hospitals,” she added

All eyes are on ODM to see the actions it will take against the listed members.