Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has received a major reprieve after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) temporarily halted efforts to remove him from his position as ODM Secretary General.
In a decision delivered on Thursday, February 12, the Tribunal suspended the implementation of a resolution passed by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on Wednesday, February 11, which sought to oust Sifuna from the top leadership.
The Tribunal further barred the parties involved from taking steps to formalise the decision, including publishing the disputed resolution in the Kenya Gazette, pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Tribunal Halts ODM Move to Remove Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General. Photo: Courtesy.
Following the Tribunal’s decision, Sifuna will continue serving as ODM Secretary General for the time being.
The temporary orders will remain in force until the case is fully heard and determined, after both parties are given an opportunity to present their submissions during an inter partes hearing.
Sifuna was removed from his role as ODM Secretary General after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Mombasa on Wednesday, February 11, and chaired by Oburu Oginga.
He was replaced by Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, who will serve in an acting capacity as the party prepares to appoint a substantive office holder.
“The Party National Executive Committee meeting in Mombasa today has resolved to relieve SG Edwin Sifuna of his responsibilities with immediate effect. Effectively, Hon. Catherine Omanyo, who is one of the Deputy Secretary Generals, will act in this position until a substantive holder of the office is elected,” ODM said in a statement.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Shariff stated that Sifuna’s dismissal was linked to what the party viewed as repeated acts of disrespect towards Oburu, emphasising that discipline and respect for party leadership remain key principles within ODM.
