- A section of ODM party members, led by Rachael Tabitha, submitted a request for the resignation of Oburu Oginga due to alleged violations of the constitution
- The group cited violations of internal democracy and the exclusion of long-serving members as key factors
- The petition, seen by TUKO.co.ke, demanded an urgent National Conference of Delegates and full recognition of the rights of party members.
A new tension has rocked the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after a group of party members submitted a request asking Oburu Oginga to resign from all leadership positions of the party.
Source: Facebook
The document, seen by TUKO.co.ke, accused him of ignoring the party’s constitution, excluding long-serving members, and undermining internal democracy.
The petition, led by Rachael Tabitha, made several allegations of violation of due process, including violation of Article 6.2.2(b) of the ODM Constitution.
“It is completely inappropriate for some leaders to speak with pride and boldly announce that they are in power legally, while the party’s Constitution, especially section 6.2.2(b), is clearly violated. The rebellion undermines the principles of responsibility, justice, and respect for the due process that our party manages,” the plaintiffs said.
Did Oburu go against the ODM Constitution?
According to members, Oburu’s decisions have eroded confidence in the party’s leadership structures and left many life members feeling excluded from important decision-making processes.
They said that transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law, which have long been ODM’s core values, are now at risk.
“It is with great concern that we see the actions and decisions associated with Oburu Odinga and a select group of individuals that undermine the principles that ODM has defended for decades. The willful disregard for due process, the violation of internal democratic processes, and the failure to respect the rights of life members indicate a dangerous departure from the constitutional order of the party,” the petition said in part.
The petition noted that these actions represent a dangerous departure from the principles that ODM has championed for decades.
Members expressed deep concern that decisions affecting the direction of the party are taken without proper consultation or following established democratic procedures.
What demands did the group present to ODM?
In their application, they made a claim three important. First, they want Oburu Odinga to resign immediately.
Second, they called for an emergency National Conference of Delegates to address what they described as a governance crisis. Again, they demanded full recognition of the rights of life members within the party.
The petition gave the National Electoral Board a 30-day warning, warning that if these demands were not met, the signatories would resign from ODM as a matter of principle. “If the above steps are not taken within thirty days from the date of this petition, we, the undersigned ODM members, will resign from the party, as a matter of principle, in protest under Raila Odinga’s school of thought against the ongoing violation of constitutional order,” they said.
Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that some ODM members claimed the swearing in of Oburu as party leader violated the party’s Constitution.
According to the said article, the new leader should be chosen by the NDC, the highest decision-making body of the party. However, Oburu’s appointment was approved by the National Leadership Council.
Source: Facebook
What did Winnie say about Oburu’s leadership?
This move comes amid growing tension within the Odinga family regarding the leadership of the party.
Winnie Odinga he publicly questioned his uncle Oburu’s ability to lead during the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations in Mombasa.
He also claimed that some unnamed officials were planning to take control of the party that his father, Raila, founded.
Winnie described these efforts as secretive and warned that the party was built on protest and dedicated and should not be treated as personal property.
Oburu officially took over as party leader following his interim term, succeeding his late brother Raila.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
