ODM suspends Kisumu County majority leader over assembly scuffle

ODM Secretary-General Ababu Namwamba at a past event. The party on April 29 suspended Kisumu County Assembly Majority Leader Samuel Ong'ow and his deputy, John Olum. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP 

In Summary

• The party issued a warning to all sponsored leaders in counties countrywide that misconduct and impunity will not be condoned.
• Police were called in to reinforce security after youth stormed the premises.

By SILAS APOLLO
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By MOSES ODHIAMBO
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The Orange Democratic Movement has suspended Kisumu County Assembly Majority Leader Samuel Ong'ow for alleged gross misconduct.

Mr Ong'ow and his deputy, John Olum, were suspended following recent violent incidents witnessed in the assembly.

In a letter dated April 29 and seen by Nation.co.ke, ODM Secretary-General Ababu Namwamba said the two are to vacate their offices with immediate effect.

“The party has referred their matter to the disciplinary committee for appropriate swift action,” said Mr Namwamba.

The party issued a warning to all sponsored leaders in counties countrywide that misconduct and impunity will not be condoned.

Mr Namwamba said the situation puts at risk Kenyans' dream of seamless devolution.

There was drama at the Kisumu County Assembly on Tuesday evening after Deputy Speaker Pamela Omino collapsed and was rushed to a hospital following a fight with members.

Trouble in the assembly began at 2pm after Ms Omino blocked acting Speaker Gabriel Ochieng’ and the mace from entering the debating chambers.

COLLAPSED

Ms Omino argued that she was the legal Speaker owing to her position as deputy contrary to opinion of members.

The members said the position belonged to Mr Ochieng’, who was elected on an acting capacity.

She, however, remained adamant, leading to a confrontation between her and members, who accused her of sabotaging House proceedings.

One hour later, members forced the mace into the debating chambers.

Ms Omino followed them but was blocked by the assembly serjeant-at-arms, leading to a confrontation that lasted over 10 minutes.

She collapsed during the confrontation and was rushed to a nearby hospital by her aides.

Police were called in to reinforce security after a group of young people stormed the premises.

Ms Omino said she would not accept the resolution of a meeting convened by Mr Ong'ow in the assembly on Monday evening.

The members, in a closed-door meeting that lasted several hours, agreed to adhere to a court ruling that allowed Mr Ochieng’ to continue acting as Speaker.

“I am a member of the House and the deputy speaker. Why don’t you allow me to chair the sessions today?” she said.

Ms Omino said she would go by the resolutions of a meeting chaired by ODM leader Raila Odinga on April 18 where it was resolved that she assume her role as acting Speaker.

The assembly appealed a decision by the Employment and Labour Relations Court that reinstated Ms Anne Adul.

Ms Adul was impeached last October on the grounds that she misused funds and intimidated assembly members.