Sifuna Wins Temporary Relief in ODM Leadership Dispute

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has blocked the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) from removing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the party's Secretary-General, granting him temporary relief in an ongoing leadership dispute.

The PPDT issued its ruling on 11 February 2026, halting the implementation of a controversial decision made by ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) to oust Sifuna. The party had passed the resolution without prior notice or a chance for Sifuna to defend himself, prompting the senator to petition the tribunal for urgent relief.

Sifuna argues that his removal violated both ODM’s internal procedures and Kenyan law, particularly Article 74 of the party’s constitution, which requires that a member facing removal be given an opportunity to respond. He further contends that the decision breaches the Fair Administrative Action Act and the Constitution of Kenya due to the lack of due process.

The conflict escalated on 11 February when ODM announced Sifuna’s ousting and appointed Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo as acting Secretary-General. Sifuna, who had missed the Mombasa meeting where the decision was made, explained his absence by citing security concerns and had apologised to the party. His legal team maintains this was not an act of defiance.

With the tribunal's order, the decision to remove Sifuna has been suspended, and ODM is prohibited from formalising the move, including publishing it in the Kenya Gazette. The tribunal has scheduled a follow-up hearing for 26 February 2026, when it will review the case and decide on further action.

In his affidavit, Sifuna highlighted the urgency of the matter, noting that the swift appointment of Omanyo and the planned National Delegates Convention could permanently alter the party’s leadership structure before the legality of his removal is determined. The PPDT has ordered ODM and the Registrar of Political Parties to respond within seven days.