Kajiado Central MP Elijah Memusi Kanchory has announced he will work with the government regardless of restrictions imposed by his party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Condemning the recent crackdown on ‘rebel’ party members, Memusi said he has the right to associate with whichever party he chooses.

“Our constitution is very clear that there is freedom of association. We’re done with 2022 politics, we are now looking ahead. Mambo ni matatu hii Kenya (There are three options in Kenya). You choose to lead or be lead. You choose to make decisions or you will be decided for. We are not interested in being organised, we will organise ourselves….I have been elected three times as the MP for Kajiado Central under ODM. During that entire time, there is nothing I have gained from ODM in leadership or in Parliament,” he said.

He went on to say that he was not afraid of being expelled from the party.

“We are now keen on who is with us and who is against us…barua ikiandikwa, leta (If I will be expelled, then so be it). If we are to go back to the public for the support then that is what we will do. The vote lies in the hands of the citizen,” he added.

Memusi’s sentiments come as ODM cracks the whip on the party’s ‘rebel’ MPs seen as sympathetic to President William Ruto, with five – Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Felix Odiwuor alias Jalang’o (Langata) and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda – being expelled last week.

ODM Chairman John Mbadi said the MPs had openly associated with President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza Party.

In response, Langata MP Phelix Odiwuor, alias Jalang’o turned to the Bible to respond to the party on his X account quoting Coronthians 10.13 that states:

“No trial is too heavy to lift! No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, he will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

On his part, Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda expressed that he had no apologies for associating with President William Ruto and was going to continue working with him.