The Political Parties Dispute Tribunal (PPDT) has temporarily stopped the ODM party from expelling Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo from the party.
In orders given by the PPDT chairperson Desmas Nungo, the Orange Party has been barred from expelling the legislator pending a hearing and determination of the case filed by Odhiambo challenging his expulsion.
"In the interim and pending the hearing and determination of this Application, this Honorable Tribunal hereby issues interim conservatory orders staying and/or halting the implementation and/or enforcement of the decision of the 1st Respondent to expel the Complainant, Elisha Ochieng Odhiambo, from the membership of the 1st Respondent, Orange Democratic Party," Nungo said.
The Registrar of Political Parties has also been barred from effecting any changes relating to the expulsion.
ODM has also been stopped from removing the Gem MP from parliamentary Committees he sits in by virtue of being a member of the party.
"This Honorable Tribunal hereby issues interim orders barring the 1st Respondent from removing the Complainant, Elisha Ochieng Odhiambo, as a committee member of the Departmental Committee on Energy and Members Service and Facilities Committee in the National Assembly."
The matter is set for mention on September 20, 2023.
Elisha was among five rebel ODM MPs expelled by the party last week.
The others included Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), Tom Ojienda (Senator of Kisumu County) and Phelix Odiwuor Kodhe (Lang’ata).
The decision was announced by the party's National Executive Committee (NEC) which was chaired by party leader Raila Odinga.
Raila has insisted that his party will not entertain political infidelity.
According to him, loyalty and fidelity to a party are among the key reasons that make political parties grow.
“Loyalty, fidelity and love for one another are the three main reasons political parties grow… ODM shall not condone political infidelity in the name of some members seeking cheap political favours from those in power,” Raila said.
