The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has ruled that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna must submit himself to the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) internal disciplinary process, clearing the way for the party to proceed with action against him.
The tribunal affirmed ODM’s authority to handle internal disputes through its established party organs, underscoring the principle of party autonomy and internal accountability mechanisms provided under Kenyan law.
In its decision, the PPDT declined to halt the disciplinary process, stating that any grievances relating to fairness or alleged bias should first be addressed within ODM’s internal dispute resolution structures.
How did ODM react to ruling on Edwin Sifuna?
ODM has welcomed the ruling, with Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen describing it as a strong reaffirmation of the doctrine of exhaustion, which requires parties to exhaust internal remedies before seeking external intervention.
He said the tribunal’s judgment removes previous restrictions and allows the party to proceed with and conclude disciplinary proceedings that were lawfully initiated against the Senator.
The dispute stems from February 2026, when ODM’s National Executive Committee began processes to remove Sifuna as Secretary General, prompting him to seek interim orders from the tribunal to stop the move.
Although earlier rulings temporarily restrained the party from implementing any final decision, the latest judgment has now lifted those limitations, allowing ODM to fully pursue the case.