‘Rebel’ ODM legislators meet Owalo, Murkomen

Undeterred by threats of expulsion from the party, eight ODM lawmakers from the Nyanza region yesterday met with two Cabinet Secretaries.

Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Paul Abuor, (Rongo), Mark Nyamita (Uriri), Felix Odiwuor, alias Jalang’o, (Lang’ata) and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda held meetings with ICT Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo and Kipchumba Murkomen  (Transport and Infrastructure).

 Owalo confirmed meeting the MPs in his office yesterday.

“Yes I met them this morning, we discussed several matters touching on development in the (Nyanza) region among them internet connectivity, setting up of digital apps and the establishment of what we are calling Studio Mashinani,” he said.

“In the afternoon, we met Murkomen and discussed several roads and infrastructure projects in our region. Other meetings are scheduled with several CSs to discuss water, security, agriculture, education, health and others,” he added.

Yesterday’s visit came amid threats from the ODM party to discipline the lawmakers who it accuses of going against the party’s Constitution and the Political Parties Act by meeting President William Ruto.

Raila has branded the lawmakers traitors and called for their expulsion.

Addressing an Azimio retreat in Machakos, Raila challenged the MPs to resign and seek re-election.

He cited his own example when he resigned from Ford Kenya in the 1990s after falling out with then party chairman Wamalwa Kijana and successfully sought re-election on the National Development Party ticket.

“They should be seen for what they are, they are traitors,” said Raila who was flanked by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

Last week, the party, through the office of its  chairman John Mbadi issued show-cause letters to the legislators over the State House visit.