THE Orange Democratic Movement on Monday backtracked on its anti-Waki stance and agreed instead to look afresh at the judge’s report.
The party’s decision possibly to reverse the decision by its own MPs is likely to put party leaders at loggerheads once again.
ODM leader Raila Odinga who only recently faced a rebellion by MPs allied to Eldoret North’s William Ruto over his support for implementing the report into post- election violence attended a National Executive Council meeting in which his MPs’ recommendations to block the report were deferred.
The executive council is the group that runs the party.
ODM MPs recently rejected the report, saying they would resist attempts to charge any of the suspects named in a secret list handed by Mr Justice Waki to former UN secretary-general Kofi Annan.
Several Cabinet ministers also criticised Mr Odinga for insisting the report must be implemented in full.
But on Monday, ODM secretary-general Anyang’ Nyong’o said the executive committee was more authoritative than the MPs’ Parliamentary Group, saying: “NEC speaks on behalf of the party. The PG concerns and ideas have been discussed by NEC and party position recommended. Members are, however, free to discuss; we have not gagged anybody.”
Prof Nyong’o named a new eight-member committee that will liaise with the party’s Strategic and Legal Affairs committee and arrive at new stand on the report within 10 days.
The committee members are Prof Tony Wambua, Ms Mumbi Ng’aru, Mr Sam Wa Njuguna, Mr Ali Dida, Mr Joseph Kiangoi, Mr Ochillo Ayacko, Mr Martin Shikuku and Mr Julius Kemboi.
Asked by journalists why it had taken so long for the party to give its position, Prof Nyong’o said ODM had taken the decision to form a committee to study the Waki report.
Only 35 days remain of the 60-day deadline for ODM and PNU to sign an agreement for setting up a tribunal to investigate those suspected of carrying out or aiding and abetting the violence.
This is a positive effect of Obama. these guys should be scrutinized, every blow against impunity is a blow for justice and a blow for a better Kenya!
Maisha ni ujaliwavyo si utakavyo