A crucial legal battle within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is set to reach a turning point today, as the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) delivers its final verdict on the removal of Edwin Sifuna as the party’s Secretary General.
The decision is expected to determine whether Sifuna retains his influential position or whether the party’s earlier resolution to remove him will take effect.
Background to the dispute
The case stems from a February 11, 2026 resolution by ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) seeking to remove Sifuna from office. The move sparked an internal party dispute, with Sifuna quickly moving to the tribunal to challenge the decision.
In his application, Sifuna argued that the NEC’s action violated his right to a fair hearing, claiming he was not given an opportunity to defend himself before the decision was made.
The tribunal, led by acting chairperson Gad Gathu, initially issued interim orders suspending the implementation of the NEC resolution. It also barred both ODM and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties from publishing the removal in the Kenya Gazette pending a full hearing.
ODM’s response and legal argument
ODM has strongly opposed Sifuna’s case, insisting that the removal process was lawful and anchored in the party’s constitution. The party argues that Sifuna prematurely rushed to court without first exhausting internal dispute resolution mechanisms.
According to ODM, the NEC’s decision was part of an ongoing internal process, and formal procedures had not yet been completed when Sifuna sought legal intervention.
The party further maintains that the doctrine of exhaustion—requiring parties to first use internal remedies—means the tribunal should not have jurisdiction over the matter.
This legal argument is central to today’s ruling, as the tribunal will not only determine Sifuna’s position but also clarify the boundaries between party autonomy and external legal oversight.
What today’s ruling means
The tribunal’s verdict carries significant political implications for ODM, especially at a time when the party is undergoing internal realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election.
If the tribunal rules in Sifuna’s favor, he will retain his position as Secretary General, strengthening his standing within the party and potentially reshaping internal power dynamics.
On the other hand, if the ruling upholds the NEC decision, ODM will be free to proceed with leadership changes, marking a major shift in the party’s top structure.
Parallel court developments
Meanwhile, attention is also on the ongoing inquest into the death of Rex Masai, which resumes in court with additional witness testimony expected.
The court has already heard forensic evidence presented by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), linking video and photographic material to the June 2024 protests in Nairobi.
A forensic expert testified that the digital evidence, including CCTV footage, is authentic and shows a man believed to be a police officer opening fire on protesters. A formal report is expected to further connect the suspect to the scene.
A defining moment for ODM
As the tribunal prepares to issue its ruling, today’s outcome is set to shape not only Sifuna’s political future but also the internal stability of ODM.
With tensions already evident within the party, the decision could either reinforce unity or deepen divisions—making it one of the most closely watched political and legal developments in the country today.
