“Use Party Mechanisms!” – Tribunal Tells ODM, Sifuna Over Removal Dispute
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has ordered Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to attempt to resolve their dispute over his removal as Secretary General through the party’s Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism (IDRM).
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, the tribunal directed the senator and ODM to engage the party’s internal mechanisms in good faith before the matter can proceed further before the tribunal.
The tribunal further directed that, as a show of good faith, the removal of Sifuna as Secretary General should not be filed with the Registrar of Political Parties pending the attempt at internal dispute resolution.
“The complainant (Sifuna) and the first respondent (ODM) shall attempt to resolve the dispute through the first respondent’s IDRM mechanisms. Parties are encouraged to submit to IDRM in good faith,” the tribunal ordered.
Sifuna had moved to the tribunal to challenge his removal as ODM Secretary General, arguing that the decision was unlawful and violated the party constitution and the Political Parties Act.
In his complaint, the Nairobi senator sought orders to stop the implementation of the decision removing him from the influential party position and to prevent the Registrar of Political Parties from effecting any changes.
The tribunal in the interim temporarily halted the implementation of ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution of February 11, 2026, which sought to remove the outspoken leader from the party’s position.
In his ruling, Acting PPDT chairperson Gad Gathu clarified that any disciplinary action by ODM must strictly comply with the party constitution and all applicable laws.This
This is while preserving the right of any party to return to the tribunal for redress as provided under the Political Parties Act.
Sifuna had moved to the tribunal seeking urgent relief, arguing that the decision to remove him was made without giving him a fair hearing.
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However, ODM opposed his case, insisting that Sifuna rushed to court before exhausting the party’s Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (IDRM).
In its findings, the tribunal observed that the dispute underscores the need to strengthen internal political party democracy.
“We find that this is a situation that calls for the tribunal to exercise inherent jurisdiction, which it hereby does to strengthen internal political party democracy and enhance adherence to the law and the political party’s governance instruments and procedures,” the court noted.
As a result, the tribunal struck out the case with each party ordered to bear their own costs.
“Use Party Mechanisms!” – Tribunal Tells ODM, Sifuna Over Removal Dispute
