The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has given Budalang’i MP Ababu Namwamba a seven day ultimatum to resume duty. Speaking to the press at the ODM NEC meeting, they were keen to address the issue that has been on the spotlight recently, “The NEC has resolved to give Ababu Namwamba seven days to resume duty or formally communicate his decision to the party for appropriate action to be taken,” said NEC in a statement read by nominated senator Agnes Zani, who has been appointed to handle the functions of the Secretary General in acting capacity.
This comes after Ababu Namwamba insisted that the ODM Secretary General position remains vacant, even though he hadn’t handed over his resignation letter, adding that he had clearly communicated about his resignation from the Secretary General position. The NEC faulted this move however, as they wait for his formal communication to the party, “He has even been quoted as having made some pronouncements which have not been formally communicated to the party,” said Agnes Zani at the press conference.

The Budalang’i Member of Parliament’s move to quit his post created shockwaves and gained the support of some leaders from Western Kenya, given that Dr. Paul Otuoma, who is a Member of Parliament for Funyula, had also quit his post as national vice-chairman, citing frustrations in his post. The Funyula MP Dr. Otuoma gave an example where he and Secretary General Ababu Namwamba together with other legislators from the region had grievances which were not given priority and attention, highlighting the divide that has been witnessed recently till now.