There is a mixed reaction in Malindi over the decision by ODM National Executive Council to adopt the report by the disciplinary committee which recommended for expulsion of Rebel MPs Aisha Jumwa and Suleiman Dori.
Three ODM Members of County Assembly from Kilifi County said today the decision was timely and were ready for by election to ‘teach’ the vocal Malindi MP a lesson.
The MCAs led by Nixon Muramba (Kakuyuni) Peter Ziro (Garashi), and Daniel Chai Chiriba alias Bonyeza of Jilore ward said Jumwa made it to parliament through ODM but decided to support Deputy President William Ruto at the expense of her party.
Muramba said over 40 ODM MCAs do not support the Malindi MP adding that currently she is left with only three MCAs who are also planning their exit strategy.
Those allied to the MP who is also a Parliamentary service Commissioner however maintained that the legislator was innocent and asked the ODM Governing Council to forgive her when time comes.
Malindi branch ODM Chairman Hosea Hagai Chome said in an interview today that Jumwa does not deserve such a severe punishment because she worked hard for the party and Malindi.
Speaking at the MP’s offices Chome wondered why it was the Malindi and Msambweni MPs alone who were being victimized while there were many leaders who were supporting DP Ruto.
“It’s not the MP alone who went for the handshake , I would urge the national Governing Council to reject the two reports , as Malindi residents we feel she is being victimized for nothing,’’ he said.
The Decision by the National Executive Council also sparked a lot of heated debate in the social media platforms in Kilifi County with some saying a by election was looming in Malindi while others ruled out the possibility of a by election.
Muramba a former ally of Jumwa who has become a major rival of the MP thanked party leader Raila Odinga, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, deputy party leader Ali Hassan Joho, Kilifi Governor Amason Kingi for their effort to ensure sanity in the party.
“We are telling Jumwa not to bother to contest in the by election because she will be ashamed, the songs she used to sing Salama salama for Jubilee will now turn against her,’’ he said.
Jumwa declared she would support DP Ruto in 2022 and has been going round with him since the handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Party leader Odinga.