The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has allowed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to proceed with disciplinary proceedings against its Secretary-General, Senator Edwin Sifuna, but ruled that the party’s attempt to remove him from office was invalid because he was not accorded a fair hearing.
The decision marks the latest development in a months-long dispute between Sifuna and the party leadership over efforts to remove him from the influential position of Secretary-General.
According to the tribunal’s judgment, ODM is entitled to initiate and conclude disciplinary proceedings through its internal dispute resolution structures, provided the process complies with the law and the party’s constitution.
The tribunal mentioned the principle that political parties should first resolve disputes through their internal mechanisms before seeking intervention from external bodies such as the PPDT.
Tribunal Clears Way for ODM Disciplinary Process
ODM welcomed the ruling, saying it vindicated the party’s position that internal disciplinary procedures should be allowed to run their course without undue interference.
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In a statement issued on June 18, 2026, the party noted that the tribunal had dismissed Sifuna’s latest application and vacated interim orders that had previously restricted the disciplinary process.
The party further stated that the tribunal directed ODM to proceed with and conclude any disciplinary proceedings lawfully initiated against the senator.
Sifuna Removal as Secretary-General Ruled Invalid
The dispute dates back to February 2026 when ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) initiated a process to remove Sifuna from his position as Secretary-General.
In response, the senator moved to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), which issued interim orders halting the process pending the determination of the case.
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While the Tribunal allowed ODM to proceed with disciplinary proceedings against Sifuna, it faulted the party’s attempt to remove him from office.
In its judgment delivered on June 18, 2026, the PPDT held that ODM failed to observe the principles of procedural fairness and due process.
The Tribunal found that Sifuna had not been accorded a fair hearing before the decision affecting his position was made, rendering the removal unlawful and invalid.
According to the ruling, ODM’s actions fell short of the legal and constitutional standards governing disciplinary proceedings within political parties. As a result, the steps taken to remove Sifuna as Secretary-General could not stand.
The decision means ODM is free to continue pursuing disciplinary action through its internal mechanisms. However, any process that could affect Sifuna’s position or rights must comply with due process requirements, including giving him adequate notice of the allegations and a fair opportunity to respond before a decision is reached.
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