Court Stops Sifuna’s ODM Ouster Pending Hearing
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna can breathe a sigh of relief after the High Court stopped his removal as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party Secretary General.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, February 12, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal ordered the immediate suspension of the gazettement of Sifuna’s ouster pending the hearing and determination of the matter.
The court further directed that the petition filed against the ODM party and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) be mentioned on February 26 for further directions.
The decision temporarily shields Sifuna from losing the influential party position he has held for more than nine years.
Sifuna Moves to Court After NEC Decision
The court’s intervention came just hours after the Nairobi lawmaker filed a petition challenging the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) decision to remove him from office.
On Wednesday, the party’s NEC resolved to remove Sifuna as Secretary General with immediate effect. The meeting, held in Mombasa and chaired by ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, cited concerns over discipline and leadership conduct.
In a statement, the NEC announced that Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo had been appointed to serve in an acting capacity pending the election of a substantive officeholder.
“The National Executive Council (NEC) expressed concern over rising levels of indiscipline within the party, especially within senior leadership positions,” the statement read.
“Having deliberated on matters relating to the conduct of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, the NEC resolved to remove him from office effective immediately,” it added.
However, Sifuna wasted no time in challenging the move legally.
“Unlawful and Unprocedural,” Says Sifuna
Addressing the press earlier on Thursday, Sifuna launched a sharp counterattack against the party leadership, describing the decision as unconstitutional and politically motivated.
“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,” he said.
“Let me state without fear of contradiction that this action is unlawful, unprocedural and a blatant violation of the ODM constitution as well as the principles of natural justice,” Sifuna affirmed.
The senator argued that due process was not followed and that he was neither formally notified nor accorded an opportunity to defend himself before the decision was made.
Claims of Political Witch Hunt
Beyond procedural concerns, Sifuna suggested that the move was politically motivated.
He alleged that his firm stance against supporting President William Ruto’s re-election had put him at odds with certain factions within the party.
“My only crime is that I have refused and opposed any plans and schemes within the party to support President William Ruto’s re-election because I have held the firm position that this country cannot afford another five years of divisive misadventures,” he stated.
The remarks signal deep internal tensions within ODM, especially regarding the party’s future political alignment and strategy ahead of the next general election cycle.
What the Court Order Means
The tribunal’s order effectively freezes the implementation of Sifuna’s removal until the matter is heard and determined.
By suspending the gazettement, the court ensures that no official change can be recognized by the Registrar of Political Parties until the legal dispute is resolved.
This means Sifuna remains, at least for now, the lawful Secretary General of ODM pending the outcome of the case.
The mention set for February 26 will likely determine whether interim orders remain in place or whether the matter proceeds to a full hearing.
Political Implications for ODM
The unfolding dispute exposes simmering divisions within one of Kenya’s largest political parties.
Sifuna has been a prominent figure within ODM, serving as Secretary General for over nine years and playing a key role in party communications and national political strategy.
His public disagreement with sections of the leadership, particularly over relations with President Ruto’s administration, now appears to have escalated into a full-blown internal battle.
The court case could:
- Test the limits of party constitutional procedures
- Clarify the powers of the NEC in removing senior officials
- Expose deeper ideological divisions within ODM
For now, the legal arena has become the next battleground.
All Eyes on February 26
With the tribunal halting his ouster, Sifuna has secured temporary relief. However, the broader political and legal contest is far from over.
The February 26 court mention will be crucial in determining whether the suspension of his removal stands or whether ODM’s decision will ultimately be upheld.
As tensions simmer within the party, the case is set to shape not only Sifuna’s political future but also ODM’s internal unity ahead of future elections.