ODM MPs who were pardoned after defying party positions on Monday apologised to the outfit in a surprise u-turn.
The Star has established that MPs Paul Abuor (Rongo), Mark Nyamita (Uriri) and Esther Passaris (Nairobi) tendered their apologies to the party as was directed by the outfit's top decision making organ.
“What I can tell you is that the three MPs have complied with the NEC’s directive and have handed their apology letters as at Monday this week,” a senior ODM official not allowed to speak on disciplinary issues told the Star.
ODM national chairman John Mbadi, whose docket matters of discipline fall, was not available on the phone for a comment.
This is, however, viewed as climbdown on the part of Abuor and Nyamita who days after being pardoned were hosted by the President at State House, a move that passed as mockery to the ODM boss.
Passaris was not part of the State House meeting.
The leaders reportedly went to State House to officially invite President William Ruto for another development tour of Luo Nyanza a few months after he camped in the region to launch projects.
ODM's National Executive Committee had last week directed the trio to apologise to the party within one week.
They were accused of advancing the agenda of the rival party after meeting Ruto at State House in February in total disregard of the party's position.
They also appreciated the President on his move to address the historical problems in the sugar industry, promising to support the Sugar Bill that is currently before Parliament.
Passaris was accused of defying the party's position when she ganged up with the Majority to vote for the Finance Bill, 2023 now an Act.
Abuor and Nyamita will however still pay Sh1 million each within 60 days as directed by the party.
Passaris on the other hand will part with Sh250,000 to the party for her defiance.
Raila had accused the MPs of betrayal after they visited State House a number of times to meet the President despite ODM's objection.
NEC also recommended expulsion of MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Phelix Odiwuor (Lang’ata) and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.
They have, however, moved to the Political Parties Tribunal to challenge the NEC’s verdict.
The Tribunal chaired by Desma Nundo last week temporarily stopped their expulsion.
Meanwhile, the party is currently preparing for a National Governing Council (NGC) to ratify the NEC’s decision.
After getting the approval of the NGC, the party is expected to formally write to the Registrar of Political Parties seeking the removal of five rebel MPs from their party register.
Should the registrar accept the decision and be satisfied that the process followed was within the law, then the office will strike off their names from the ODM register.
Previously, the party unsuccessfully tried to expel former Malindi MP and now Public Service CS Aisha Jumwa over omissions of key statutory steps.
On grassroots elections, the party’s top decision organ announced it will carry out the elections early next year.
“The party will hold its grassroots elections early next year. The dates for this exercise will be announced by the National Executive Committee,” nominated MP Mbadi said.
