Blow to ODM as political parties’ tribunal dismisses objection on Sifuna’s application
By Zipporah Ngwatu, May 5, 2026The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has suffered a blow after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) dismissed its preliminary objection against an application filed before it by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
ODM sought to have the application rejected, arguing that the PPDT has no jurisdiction to hear the application filed before it by Senator Sifuna, where he sought to be shielded from officially being removed as the ODM secretary general (SG).
In a ruling delivered on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, the PPDT, led by acting chairperson Gad Gathu, stated that Sifuna’s contention ousts the question of jurisdiction by ODM, noting that there is a need for analysing and examining facts and evidence in his application.
“We have pointed out that the issue of jurisdiction is raised through a preliminary objection by the first respondent (ODM) dated April 9, 2026. It is our view that his contention tests the question of jurisdiction from the path view on determination by a preliminary objection, as it will call for analysis and examination of facts and evidence. We have therefore dismissed the preliminary objection,” the PPDT ruled.
However, the PPDT has declined to block the ODM through the Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism (IDRM) from taking Sifuna through disciplinary proceedings.
Must be heard and determined first
Notably, the tribunal has barred the party from reaching any conclusion from the disciplinary process until the current application filed by Sifuna is heard and determined.
“We decline to stop any Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism (IDRM) or disciplinary proceedings involving the applicant (Sifuna) and ODM. However, we direct that the outcome of any IDRM or disciplinary proceedings between Sifuna and the ODM party shall not take effect pending the hearing and determination of this complaint,” the tribunal ruled.
On April 9, 2026, the tribunal declined to stop the disciplinary process that was scheduled for April 10, 2026, citing that they cannot stay the party’s internal process, thus allowing the ODM to proceed with the disciplinary process, which was later postponed.
“To ensure fairness, we will not stay any internal process; we hereby stay any determination until the tribunal delivers a ruling, so we will not stay the process, but we stay the determination of the processes,” Gathu directed.
The matter will be heard by way of highlighting submissions on June 9, 2026, at 2:30 pm.