ODM Fails to Stop Tribunal from Hearing Secretary General Edwin Sifuna Ouster Case

It is a blow to the Orange Democratic Movement after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal ruled that it has jurisdiction to hear and determine a complaint filed by the party’s Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna.

In its ruling, the Tribunal dismissed a preliminary objection that sought to stop the proceedings, clearing the way for the matter to proceed to a full hearing.

In a ruling delivered on Tuesday May 5th, 2026, by Chairperson Gad Gathu, the tribunal held that the issues raised by ODM could not be determined at the preliminary stage as they required a full examination of facts and evidence.

The dispute stems from Sifuna’s second attempt before the PPDT, in which the Nairobi Senator seeks protection from removal as ODM Secretary General, a position he holds within the party’s top leadership structure.

ODM had argued that the dispute ought to be resolved through the party’s internal dispute resolution mechanisms (IDRM) and disciplinary structures, and that the tribunal should not intervene at this stage.

The ruling clears the way for Senator Sifuna’s case to proceed, in which he is seeking to be shielded from what he describes as attempts to remove him from his position as ODM Secretary General through internal party mechanisms.

However, the Tribunal declined to grant conservatory orders at this stage, noting that no conclusive determination can be made before key issues in the case are fully addressed.

It further directed that the outcome of any Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism (ADRM) process between Sifuna and the party will not take effect until the case is heard and determined.

The ruling now sets the stage for a full hearing of the dispute. The matter has been set for mention on June 9, 2026, for further directions.

ODM had maintained that the tribunal should not interfere in internal party affairs at this stage, but the ruling now allows the case to proceed to a substantive hearing.