Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has received temporary relief after the High Court blocked efforts to remove him from his position as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, February 12, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal ordered the immediate suspension of any action aimed at formalising Sifuna’s removal.
The tribunal specifically stopped the gazettement of the decision, meaning the move cannot be made official until the matter is fully heard and determined.
In its decision, the tribunal directed that, pending the hearing of the application, there should be a stay on the implementation of the resolution passed by ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
The court further restrained the respondents from publishing the February 11, 2026 resolution in the Kenya Gazette, which had sought to remove Sifuna from his role as Secretary General.
The tribunal emphasized that no further steps should be taken to enforce the NEC’s decision until both sides are heard in court. The matter has been scheduled for mention on February 26, 2026, when the petition filed against ODM and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) will be reviewed.
Sifuna Challenges the Decision
The court’s orders came just hours after Sifuna formally filed a petition challenging the NEC’s decision. The Nairobi lawmaker moved to court seeking protection, arguing that the process used to remove him was not only irregular but also violated the party’s constitution and the principles of natural justice.
Speaking to the press earlier in the day, Sifuna strongly criticised sections of the party leadership. He described the decision made during the NEC meeting in Mombasa as unlawful and procedurally flawed.
“I have taken note of the announcement made by a section of the ODM National Executive Committee in Mombasa yesterday purporting to remove me from the position of Secretary General of ODM,” Sifuna said.
He went on to state that the move was carried out without following proper procedures. According to him, the decision breached the ODM constitution and denied him a fair hearing. He insisted that he had not been given a chance to defend himself before the resolution was passed.
Claims of Political Witch Hunt
Sifuna further alleged that his removal was politically motivated. He claimed that the decision was linked to his firm stance against supporting William Ruto for re-election.
“My only crime,” Sifuna said, “is that I have refused and opposed any plans and schemes within the party to support President William Ruto’s re-election.”
He maintained that he has consistently held the position that Kenya cannot afford what he described as another five years of divisive leadership. Sifuna argued that his views should not be used as grounds for disciplinary action, especially after serving as Secretary General for more than nine years.
According to him, there is no lawful or constitutional basis within the party framework to justify his removal. He vowed to continue fighting the decision through legal channels and expressed confidence that the courts would uphold justice.
ODM’s Position on the Matter
The dispute began after ODM’s National Executive Committee resolved to remove Sifuna from office with immediate effect. The NEC appointed Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo to serve as acting Secretary General pending the election of a substantive officeholder.
The NEC meeting was chaired by ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, who presided over the deliberations. In a statement released after the meeting, the committee cited concerns about discipline and leadership conduct within the party.
The statement noted that the NEC had observed rising levels of indiscipline, particularly among senior party officials. After discussing issues relating to Sifuna’s conduct, the committee resolved to remove him from office effective immediately.
However, with the tribunal’s orders now in place, the implementation of that resolution has been temporarily halted. The situation has created fresh tension within ODM, as the party awaits the tribunal’s final determination.
What Happens Next
The matter will now proceed to a full hearing, where both Sifuna and the party leadership will have the opportunity to present their arguments. Until the case is heard and determined, Sifuna remains protected by the court’s interim orders.
The unfolding legal battle is expected to shape internal dynamics within ODM and could have wider political implications, especially given the sharp divisions emerging within the party.
Political observers will be closely watching the February 26 mention date, which may provide further clarity on the future of the Secretary General position.
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