A private citizen, Gad Aguko, has submitted a formal request to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) urging the party’s top leadership to expel Turkana Governor Jeremiah Napotikan Lomorukai based on his perceived affiliations with President William Ruto.
In a letter dated October 18, conveyed through his attorney Abdikadir Osman, Aguko expressed strong disapproval of Governor Lomorukai’s recent public statements at the Turkana Cultural Festival.
During the festival, the Governor is alleged to have proclaimed his switch to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a party associated with President Ruto.
Aguko’s objection centers on the belief that the Governor’s remarks were calculated and intended to bring shame and humiliation upon the ODM party and its leader, Raila Odinga.
“His actions and statements not only exhibit a complete disregard for Article 136(2) in conjunction with 142 of the Kenyan Constitution regarding presidential term limits but also represent a flagrant and insolent violation of the Party Constitution,” Aguko contends.
Aguko further asserted that the Governor’s name should be stricken from the party’s membership roster. He further called for disciplinary measures to be taken against Governor Lomorukai.
“In the event should the 7-day notice period lapse without any action from your respective offices, this letter shall serve as the official complaint against the said individuals as envisioned under Article 8.4.1 of the Orange Democratic Movement party Constitution the same having been served upon the Disciplinary Committee,” Aguko stated.
During the official opening of the Turkana Cultural and Tourism Festival in Lodwar town on October 12, Governor Lomorukai was quoted pledging his support for President William Ruto’s presidential bid in 2027.
The Governor, who was elected under the ODM party banner, also declared his commitment to rallying six sub-counties within Turkana County to endorse President Ruto in the upcoming general election.
“I want to assure you that I will deliver the Turkana vote basket to you. There is no doubt about that. I will deliver for you the six sub-counties,” the Governor told the President.
Lomorukai also defended his choice, asserting, “I am elected by the people of Turkana County. To those who argue that it is a crime for the Turkana Governor to work with the President, who told them that is a crime?”
Last week, chaos erupted during Raila Odinga’s appearance at the Turkana Cultural Festival. Some Jubilee Party MCA leaders confronted the ODM leader, leading to disruptions at the event. They accused the Azimio party leader of having abandoned the region.
To ensure Raila’s safety, security personnel relocated him to a more secure area outside the venue, where he later addressed the attendees.
