Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has told nominated Senator Crystal Asige to resign from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) if she wishes to associate with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
In a statement posted on X on Friday, July 31, Cherargei argued that Asige occupies her Senate seat through ODM's nomination and should therefore remain loyal to the party and its support for the broad-based government.
Cherargei Says Loyalty Is Required
According to the senator, joining another political movement while retaining an ODM nomination would be inconsistent with party discipline. He said the proper course would be for Asige to resign from ODM if she intends to align herself with Linda Mwananchi.
Cherargei further stated that leaving the party would also require her to relinquish the nominated Senate seat that she holds through ODM.
He added that Asige's transfer from one Senate committee to another should be viewed as a normal parliamentary process rather than an expulsion from the party.
Asige Raises Concerns Over Committee Removal
Asige recently disclosed that she had been removed from the Senate Committee on Roads, Transport and Housing. She said she had used the committee to push for disability inclusion, accessible transport, sustainable urban planning and the implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2025.
The visually impaired senator suggested that the decision may have been linked to her political positions, although she said she remained optimistic that the setback could ultimately lead to a positive outcome.
Reshuffle Sparks Political Debate
Her removal has intensified speculation that ODM's recent Senate committee reshuffle may have targeted lawmakers perceived to be sympathetic to the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Other senators affected by the changes include Edwin Sifuna and Godfrey Osotsi, both of whom were moved from influential Senate committees.
ODM Discipline Under Spotlight
The developments have renewed debate about party discipline within ODM as differences continue to emerge between leaders supporting the broad-based arrangement with President William Ruto's administration and those associated with the opposition-leaning Linda Mwananchi movement.
The controversy has also revived discussion about whether nominated legislators must maintain complete political loyalty to the parties that nominated them or whether they can publicly associate with other political movements while retaining their seats.
