ODM has fined Nairobi Women Representative Esther Passaris for going against the party’s position and voting for the 2023 Finance Bill, which is now a Law.
In its statement on Wednesday, the party said Passaris will have to pay Sh250,000 as a fine for defying the party apart from a written apology within seven days.
The party said Azimio was reached during the party’s National Central Committee held on Wednesday under the leadership of party leader Raila Odinga.
”That Esther Passaris, the Nairobi Representative be reprimanded for directly defying the party’s position on the 2023 Finance Bill and that she should apologize in writing within seven days,” the party said.
“In addition, Passaris should be fined Sh250,000 which should be paid within 60 days.”
The party said the NEC was convened after a series of meetings held by other party bodies including the party Central Committee, the Disciplinary Committee and the National Election Board.
The meeting was chaired by the National Chairman John Mbadi.
Passaris was among 28 members of the Orange Democratic Movement who defied the party and voted against the Bill on June 14.
The party said it will also punish MPs who were not present during the voting exercise.
During the voting, 176 Members of Parliament supported the Finance Bill in the Second Reading and only 81 opposed it.
The following day on June 15, the party’s general secretary Edwin Sifuna said four ODM members supported the Bill while 24 others were absent during the voting.
“Therefore the Association has initiated disciplinary proceedings against the members,” Sifuna said.
Speaking outside Parliament after the Reading of the Budget for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024, Passaris said she is still an active member of ODM despite her stance on the Bill.
