Court stops removal of Edwin Sifuna as ODM Secretary General.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna in a past event

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has temporarily halted the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) from removing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the party’s Secretary General, escalating an already simmering leadership dispute within the party.

In a directive issued on Thursday, the Tribunal barred ODM from implementing a resolution passed by its National Executive Committee (NEC) seeking to oust Sifuna from office.

The orders suspend the decision pending the hearing and determination of the dispute filed before the Tribunal.

Sifuna was removed from the position on Wednesday, February 11, following a closed-door NEC meeting that resolved to relieve him of his duties.

The party subsequently announced Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo as the acting Secretary General, pending a substantive appointment.

The decision triggered mixed reactions within ODM ranks, with some leaders backing the move while others questioned the process used to effect the change.

Shortly after his removal, Sifuna insisted that he remained the duly elected Secretary General, arguing that the NEC lacked the authority to remove him from office without following the party constitution. He signalled his intention to challenge the decision legally.

The Tribunal’s intervention now freezes the implementation of the NEC resolution, effectively maintaining the status quo as the matter proceeds to hearing.

The case is expected to test ODM’s internal governance mechanisms and could have significant implications for the party’s leadership structure ahead of heightened political realignments.