The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has scheduled a date to deliver its judgment on the validity of Senator Edwin Sifuna’s removal as ODM Party Secretary General.
On Thursday, March 12, Vice Chair Gad Gathu announced that the tribunal will issue its ruling on March 26 after reviewing submissions from Sifuna’s legal team, representatives of ODM, and the Registrar of Political Parties.
The tribunal set the date as the earliest available, considering its existing workload.
Political Parties Disputes Tribunal Sets Hearing Date for Edwin Sifuna’s ODM SG Removal Case. Photo: Courtesy.
Both the claimant’s and respondent’s legal teams had requested an expedited judgment, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the matter.
Sifuna, through his legal team, challenged the decision by the ODM Party National Delegates Council, arguing that it was fundamentally flawed and asking the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal to declare it null and void.
He also sought costs related to the petition.
Representing ODM, Tom Kajwang’ argued that Sifuna’s removal was part of an ongoing process, with the Deputy Secretary General serving in an acting capacity until the National Delegates Convention makes a final decision.
The Registrar of Political Parties contended that the matter was prematurely brought to court, stating that no formal decisions under Section 40 of the Political Parties Act warranted judicial intervention.
Sifuna has continued to assert that he remains the legitimate Secretary General of ODM, rejecting Catherine Omanyo’s appointment in an acting role.
Meanwhile, ODM Leader Senator Oburu Odinga emphasized the importance of upholding party values and addressing dissent within the party.
The dispute escalated after Sifuna publicly declared that he would not support President William Ruto in the 2027 elections, sparking internal tensions within ODM.
