Political Parties Disputes Tribunal to Rule on Sifuna’s ODM Removal on September 10

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has scheduled September 10, 2026, to issue a ruling on the dispute involving Edwin Sifuna’s removal as Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Sifuna challenged the decision by ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) and the Registrar of Political Parties to ratify his removal. He contends that the NEC exceeded its authority under Article 74(2) of the ODM Constitution and that the removal process was unlawful.

During the tribunal proceedings, both parties agreed that the case would be decided based on written submissions already filed. Sifuna, represented by Senior Counsel Okero, argued that the NEC acted beyond its constitutional mandate and failed to follow due process.

On the other hand, ODM’s legal team, including Sam Makori, Ken Amondi, and Hon T.J. Kajwang, raised a preliminary objection questioning the tribunal’s jurisdiction to hear the matter. They argued that Sifuna should have appealed through the procedures outlined in Regulation 7 of the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (Procedure) Regulations, 2017, rather than filing a fresh complaint.

ODM maintains that the NEC acted within its powers and that the disciplinary process included adequate safeguards to ensure fairness.

The tribunal’s judgment will determine whether it has jurisdiction to hear Sifuna’s challenge and whether the complaint was properly filed. The case highlights ongoing debates about internal party governance and the powers of political parties to discipline officials, alongside the role of the Registrar of Political Parties in endorsing such decisions.