Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) declared that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) violated the rights of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna by failing to accord him a fair hearing before attempting to remove him as the party’s Secretary-General.
The tribunal, chaired by acting Chairperson Hon. Gad Gathu, found that the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution of February 11, 2026 — which sought to oust Sifuna and replace him with Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo was procedurally defective.
The tribunal cited the inadequacy in giving notice, failure to properly include the matter on the agenda, and denial of an opportunity for Sifuna to respond to the allegations against him.
The disputes in the oart8 stemmed from factional differences, particularly between Sifuna’s “Linda Mwananchi” group which has been critical of closer ties with the government and other wings within the party.
Following the NEC decision in February, Sifuna swiftly approached the PPDT seeking conservatory orders. The tribunal initially granted temporary relief, halting implementation of the removal and preventing its gazettement by the Registrar of Political Parties.
Subsequent hearings addressed jurisdictional issues and the merits of the process. The PPDT in it’s ruling cited that internal party disciplinary processes must adhere to the principles of natural justice, including the right to be heard. ODM’s actions fell short of these standards.
The February NEC resolution was invalidated only to the extent that it effected his removal without due process. The tribunal did not grant Sifuna indefinite protection from accountability.
The party remains free to initiate fresh disciplinary proceedings against Sifuna, provided it strictly complies with the party constitution, its internal regulations, and constitutional requirements for fair hearing.
Previous conservatory orders were vacated. However, the effect of the ruling preserves Sifuna’s position pending any lawful new process.
ODM, for its part, has indicated it will proceed with disciplinary measures in line with the tribunal’s guidance.
Political analysts see the ruling as a timely reminder that Kenya’s political parties, despite their internal autonomy, remain subject to the rule of law and constitutional safeguards.
