By Anderson Ojwang’
In a new political power play within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the party has removed President William Ruto’s North Rift rival, former councillor Kipkorir Arap Menjo, from the National Executive Council (NEC).
Menjo, a seasoned politician and activist from the North Rift, has for decades opposed President Ruto and has been a key pillar of the late Raila Amolo Odinga in the region.
After the 2007 fallout between Raila and Ruto, Menjo became Raila’s key point man in the region and was rewarded with a slot in the National Executive Council.
During the recent party grassroots elections in Uasin Gishu County, Menjo was elected branch chairperson.
Menjo said, “I thought the party would have asked me to choose which seat I would prefer in the emerging circumstances. Nobody contacted me, but they instead went ahead to make a decision on my behalf.”
He added that it was unfortunate the party leadership did not find the wisdom to allow him to make a choice regarding his position.
Menjo believes one of the reasons for his removal could have been fears that he might side with the party secretary.
“I do not know whether President Ruto had a hand in my replacement. I just don’t know why they couldn’t allow me to make a decision,” he said.
Party members from the region expressed concern over Menjo’s removal, saying it leaves the region without representation in the NEC.
Arap Menjo was removed as Secretary for Devolved Government after winning the Uasin Gishu branch elections.
In a letter signed by the party’s Executive Director Oduor Ongwen, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi and Taita Taveta Senator Johnes Mwaruma were also removed from the ODM NEC.
The three were removed from the party’s decision-making organ after being elected as chairpersons of their respective branches, thus disqualifying them from serving in the NEC.
Ongwen, in his letter dated February 6, informed them of the legal requirement and subsequently removed them from the NEC WhatsApp group.
“We write to formally acknowledge and congratulate you on your election as the ODM chairperson for Trans Nzoia following the recently concluded grassroots elections,” the letter states.
“As you are aware, your election to this county office has constitutional implications on your current position within the party. In accordance with Article 92 of the party constitution, which expressly provides that ‘All Party officials shall not hold more than one office in the party,’ your assumption of the office of county chairperson ipso facto extinguishes your membership as deputy national organizing secretary in the NEC of the Party,” the letter reads in part.
