The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) is set to deliver its ruling on March 26, 2026, in a case filed by Edwin Sifuna challenging his removal as Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Edwin Sifuna moved to court after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Executive Council (NEC) resolved earlier this year to remove him from the influential position of Secretary-General.
The NEC referenced supposed wrongdoing and violations of internal party regulations as the basis for the decision. Sifuna contends that the Council operated beyond the party’s constitution and breached protections outlined in the Political Parties Act.
Sifuna, via his attorneys, informed the Tribunal that the procedure resulting in his dismissal was neither legitimate nor open.
“The choice to oust the claimant from his position was made without following the party constitution and without giving him a fair opportunity to be heard,” his legal representatives asserted during the hearings.
“Such an action erodes the democratic values that govern political parties.” ODM’s attorneys, however, called on the Tribunal to reject the case, stating that Sifuna had brought it forward before utilizing the party’s internal conflict resolution processes.
“The claimant circumvented the internal procedures established by the party’s constitution.” The party’s lawyers contended that the Tribunal should thus refuse jurisdiction at this point. Previously, the Tribunal granted temporary orders halting the enforcement of the NEC’s decision.
The directives additionally prohibited the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) from registering any alterations to the Secretary-General position until the issue is definitively resolved.
These protective measures enabled Sifuna to maintain his position while the Tribunal reviews the legality of the NEC’s actions.
“The temporary orders were essential to maintain the current state and enable the Tribunal to thoroughly examine the matters presented by the parties,” the Tribunal remarked in an earlier session.
