The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has handed a significant victory to Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, ruling that the party breached his right to a fair hearing during disciplinary proceedings that sought to remove him from office.
In a judgment delivered on June 18, 2026, the Tribunal found that ODM failed to follow the principles of procedural fairness and due process when handling the disciplinary case against the senator.
According to the ruling, the party did not comply with the legal standards governing disciplinary action, making the process against Sifuna procedurally defective and therefore invalid.
The Tribunal concluded that ODM's failure to observe the required procedures rendered the disciplinary process unlawful from the beginning, effectively nullifying the steps taken against the Secretary-General.
Despite siding with Sifuna, the Tribunal clarified that the ruling does not shield him from future disciplinary action. It stated that ODM remains at liberty to initiate fresh proceedings, provided they are conducted in strict compliance with the law, the party constitution and its internal regulations.
Responding to the judgment, ODM acknowledged the decision and indicated that any future action against the senator would have to follow the proper legal framework.
“The Tribunal directed the Party to proceed and conclude any disciplinary proceedings lawfully initiated against the Senator,” ODM said in a statement.
The dispute is rooted in deepening divisions within ODM over the party's working relationship with President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Tensions escalated following the cooperation agreement signed between ODM and the government in March 2025, a move that has continued to divide opinion within the opposition party.
Sifuna has emerged as one of the strongest critics of the arrangement, frequently questioning the party's growing engagement with the ruling coalition. His stance has placed him at odds with senior ODM figures who favour closer collaboration with the government.
The latest Tribunal ruling also comes against the backdrop of an earlier court battle over his position within the party.
On February 12, the High Court suspended the implementation and gazettement of a resolution by ODM's National Executive Committee seeking to remove Sifuna as Secretary-General. The court held that the dispute raised substantial issues that required a full hearing before any action could be taken.
Subsequently, conservatory orders were issued, allowing him to remain in office pending the determination of the case.
The disciplinary proceedings originated from complaints lodged by members of the Linda Ground faction within ODM. The petitioners accused Sifuna of insubordination and alleged that he had associated with rival political formations in a manner they argued was detrimental to the party's interests.
The Tribunal's decision comes just a day after another setback for the Nairobi senator. On June 17, he was removed from the Senate Energy Committee during a reshuffle of standing committees. The committee is chaired by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.
The latest developments are expected to further fuel debate within ODM as the party continues to grapple with internal disagreements over its political direction and relationship with the Kenya Kwanza government.
