Tribunal Rules ODM Violated Edwin Sifuna’s Right to Fair Hearing in Bid to Oust Him as Secretary-General
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has handed Nairobi Senator and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna a significant legal victory after ruling that the party failed to accord him a fair hearing before initiating disciplinary proceedings aimed at removing him from office.
In a judgment delivered on June 18, 2026, the Tribunal found that ODM breached the principles of procedural fairness and due process, rendering the disciplinary process against Sifuna legally defective from the outset.
The ruling marks the latest chapter in an escalating internal dispute within Kenya’s largest opposition party, where divisions have emerged over ODM’s relationship with President William Ruto and the party’s cooperation agreement with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
According to the Tribunal, ODM failed to comply with the legal and constitutional requirements governing disciplinary proceedings against party officials, thereby violating Sifuna’s right to a fair hearing.
The decision effectively nullifies the disciplinary steps taken against the senator and prevents the party from relying on the flawed process to remove him from office.
However, the Tribunal stopped short of permanently shielding Sifuna from disciplinary action.
Instead, it clarified that ODM remains free to institute fresh proceedings against him, provided they are conducted in strict compliance with the law, the party constitution, and internal disciplinary regulations.
In a statement issued after the ruling, ODM acknowledged the Tribunal’s directive, saying:
“The Tribunal directed the Party to proceed and conclude any disciplinary proceedings lawfully initiated against the Senator.”
The dispute has its roots in deepening ideological and political differences within ODM following the signing of a cooperation agreement between the party and the government in March 2025.
While some senior party officials have supported closer engagement with the ruling administration, Sifuna has consistently emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of the arrangement.
His public remarks questioning aspects of the partnership have reportedly placed him at odds with influential figures within ODM who view collaboration with the government as politically beneficial.
The battle over his position as Secretary-General has also been fought in the courts.
Earlier this year, on February 12, the High Court suspended the implementation and gazettement of a resolution passed by ODM’s National Executive Committee seeking to remove Sifuna from office.
The court issued conservatory orders preserving his position pending the determination of the dispute, signaling concerns over the legality of the process adopted by the party.
The disciplinary proceedings themselves were triggered by complaints from members of the Linda Ground faction, who accused Sifuna of insubordination and maintaining links with rival political formations in a manner they claimed was detrimental to ODM’s interests.
Political analysts say the Tribunal’s ruling is likely to intensify debate within ODM over internal democracy, party discipline, and the limits of dissent within political organizations.
The judgment also comes at a politically sensitive moment for Sifuna.
Just days before the ruling, he was removed from the Senate Energy Committee during a reshuffle of standing committees announced on June 17. The committee is chaired by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga.
The latest developments are expected to fuel further speculation about power struggles within ODM as the party seeks to manage growing internal disagreements while positioning itself ahead of future political contests.
For now, the Tribunal’s verdict represents a major reprieve for Sifuna, reaffirming that political parties must adhere to due process and the rules of natural justice when disciplining their members, regardless of internal political disagreements.
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