The self-proclaimed official opposition party of Kenya, Thirdway Alliance, has permanently expelled its founder and leader Dr Ekuru Aukot.
In a public notice by Secretary-General Fredrick Okango and Chairman Miruru Waweru on Tuesday, it was announced that the Thirdway Alliance National Executive Council (NEC) had reached the decision to dismiss the former presidential candidate as a member of the party effective September 9 2020.
“Our beloved party leader Ekuru Aukot has been expelled as a member and dismissed a party leader by our National Executive Committee effective today,” read a statement shared on Twitter through the official party account.
Our beloved party leader Ekuru Aukot has been expelled as a member and dismissed a party leader by our National Executive Committee effective today. #PunguzaMizigoKenya pic.twitter.com/nWSiJLxcaQ
— ThirdwayKenya Punguza Mizigo (@Thirdwaykenya) September 9, 2020
Prior to this, party members had raised various concerns on Aukot’s conduct of business and even went on to issue him a temporary suspension with further directions that he appears before the disciplinary committee to answer questions regarding some of the issues.
These included;
- Assault on Deputy party leader Dr Angela Mwikali using rude words,
- Financial impropriety, self-enrichment and lack of transparency and
- Violating Chapter Six of the Constitution when he defied a court order in a Children case.
Regarding allegations of violating chapter six, Aukot was dragged to court by one Beatrice Kikunga on allegations of being a deadbeat dad.
Kikunga claimed they were in a relationship from 2011 to 2018, resulting in the birth of their child in 2017.
“We cohabited since 2011 and were blessed with the child in August 2017. Our relationship was okay until early 2018 when Aukot deserted us and refused to take responsibility for the minor while knowing very well that the child needs basic necessities,” she said at the time.
During his tenure at Thirdway Alliance, Aukot will be remembered for having championed the Punguza Mizigo Bill, where he called for changes in the Constitution.
He also requested the reduction of ministries, the abolishment of County and regional commissioner posts, and the merger of parastatals with duplicated functions.
The bill, however, failed to be endorsed by 24 of 47 counties in October last year.
