A lawyer has petitioned the ODM party to dismiss Turkana Governor Jeremiah Lomorukai for defying party principles and professing allegiance to Kenya Kwanza.
Gad Aguko, a lawyer and ODM party member, said in a letter to the party via Aguko, Osman & Company attorneys that Lomorukai breached the party constitution and the Political Parties Act by joining with the government coalition No. 11 of 2012.
“as a result of the conduct of Hon Jeremiah Lomorukai, which we consider amounts to resignation, this is to humbly request you to immediately proceed and initiate the process of striking his name from the Party Members Register by provisions of section 14A(2) and 3 of the Political Parties Act No. 11 of 2012,” Aguko said.
According to the legislation, a member of a political party is considered to have resigned if he or she joins another political party or promotes the ideas, interests, or policies of another.
The lawyer alleged that the governor shifted allegiance to Kenya Kwanza during the Turkana Cultural and Tourism Festival held on October 12 in Lodwar.
He claimed the governor made the remarks indicating support for President William Ruto and his United Democratic Alliance to subject the ODM party and its leader Raila Odinga to “ridicule, embarrassment, anxiety and disgust”.
“Lomorukai even preceded to declare that he was going to rally all voters of Turkana party to vote in favour of the UDA Party leader H.E William Ruto to ensure the latter rules Kenya as the President for 14 years which is in contravention of presidential term limits.”
Aguko wants the party to commence the removal of the governor within seven days should he be found culpable of the accusations levelled against him.
He said should the period lapse before the party takes any action, he will use the letter as evidence to file a complaint with ODM’s Disciplinary Committee in line with the party Constitution.
Raila was denied the opportunity to address the crowd at the Turkana cultural celebration.
He spoke to the reporters at the Lodwar airfield, condemning the incident, which he blamed on a high county official.
