Sifuna tells tribunal ODM did not notify him before removal as SG
By Zipporah Ngwatu, March 12, 2026The Nairobi County Senator, Edwin Sifuna, has told the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) did not notify him before removing him as secretary general (SG).
Through his lawyer, Isaac Okero, Sifuna argued that the ODM had no allegations against him that led to his removal by the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC).
Appearing before the tribunal on Thursday, March 12, 2026, lawyer Okero said that his client was only notified of the allegations on February 21, 2026, ten days after the announcement of his removal.
“By paragraph 13 of the supporting affidavit of Sifuna, sworn on February 11, he sets out that he had not been notified of any allegations made against him, nor given any opportunity to defend himself,” lawyer Okero told the tribunal.
Further, he questioned claims that the party had followed an internal dispute resolution mechanism, adding that the resolution was publicly communicated via the party’s former Twitter handle.
“How can ODM claim that the proceedings were part of an internal dispute resolution yet the publication was made public? An internal dispute resolution mechanism must be internal,” lawyer Okero questioned.
Sifuna now wants the tribunal to dismiss the ODM decision to remove him as SG, stating that the NEC’s move was unconstitutional as it did not follow the party’s constitution.
In addition, he argued that the NEC also failed to give him an opportunity to defend himself before passing the February 11, 2026, resolution purporting to expel him.
In his submissions, Sifuna has asked the tribunal to issue final orders declaring the February 11, 2026, NEC resolution removing him as SG null and void.
He is also seeking an injunction barring the party and the Registrar of Political Parties from implementing the resolution pending the tribunal’s determination.
Further, he has urged that court costs be awarded in his favour, arguing that such measures are necessary to prevent irreparable harm and uphold the party’s constitutional processes.
The tribunal, led by acting chairperson Gad Gathu, is scheduled to deliver its ruling on March 26, 2026, at 2:30 pm.