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The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), during a press conference held after their Central Committee meeting in Nairobi on Tuesday, announced their plans to initiate recall processes against six of their Members of Parliament. The MPs targeted for recall are Elisha Odhiambo of Gem, Gideon Ochanda of Bondo, Emmanuel Wangwe of Navakholo, Elijah Kanchory of Kajiado Central, Bernard Shinali of Ikolomani, and Caroli Omondi of Suba South.
ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna cited the MPs’ failure to align their actions with their constituents’ wishes during the voting on the recently withdrawn Finance Bill, 2024, as the primary reason for the recall. “These MPs have repeatedly violated their sacred oath and disregarded the electorate’s wishes,” Sifuna stated.
Additionally, Sifuna linked recent protests that saw demonstrators storming Parliament to widespread dissatisfaction with President William Ruto’s administration. He interpreted these actions as a direct vote of no confidence in the current government, criticizing the administration for being out of touch with the public’s stance on economic management after the rejection of the tax bill. “Instead of reducing government wastage and corruption, President Ruto has responded with threats to cut funding for essential services,” he remarked.
Sifuna also expressed his dismay at the government’s handling of the protests, particularly condemning the use of excessive force and arbitrary detentions by the police. “The deployment of violent suppression techniques against unarmed protesters and the ongoing abductions of Kenyans are deplorable,” he said. He called on President Ruto to acknowledge and take responsibility for the violence and abuses that have occurred under his administration.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reports that 39 people have died and 361 others have been injured in the protests, which took place from June 18 to July 1, 2024. “The government’s claim of only one fatality during the protests shows a severe disconnect from reality,” Sifuna noted. He urged the government to take full responsibility for the casualties and the damage incurred during these demonstrations.
Sifuna also called for the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) to promptly investigate these incidents, including alleged mass murders by police in specific locales, holding those responsible accountable.
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