The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has stated that the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has no jurisdiction to hear the application filed before it by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Senator Sifuna moved to the PPDT for the second time, seeking to be shielded from officially being removed as the ODM secretary general (SG).

Appearing before the tribunal on Monday, April 20, 2026, ODM, through its legal team, informed the tribunal that the Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism (IDRM) process was already on.

In its submission, the ODM stated that the tribunal does not have jurisdiction to hear Sufina’s application until it is done with the disciplinary process against him.

ODM urged the Tribunal to let them continue with the disciplinary process, adding that the PPDT shall have jurisdiction only after the disciplinary panel has adjudicated the issues and rendered a decision.

“We submit that in this case, the tribunal has already made a finding that, in the circumstances of this case, it has no jurisdiction. And given that there is a body that is vested with jurisdiction established by the first respondent (ODM), that is the disciplinary process panel,” the ODM legal team submitted to the tribunal.

“This tribunal would ultimately have jurisdiction but only after the disciplinary panel that has been set by the first respondent (ODM) has adjudicated the issues and rendered a decision,” ODM lawyers added.

“We urge this Tribunal to remit this matter to the disciplinary panel, which is ongoing, so that the same can adjudicate and then render a decision,” the ODM party submitted.

On April 9, 2026, the PPDT declined to issue conservatory orders blocking ODM disciplinary proceedings against Sifuna after he had been summoned through a notice to show cause letter.

In its ruling, the tribunal, led by acting chairperson Gad Gathu, stated that they cannot stay the party’s internal process, thus allowing the ODM to proceed with the said disciplinary process.

However, the tribunal barred the ODM party from reaching any conclusion from the disciplinary process until the current application filed by Sifuna was heard and determined.