The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has directed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to first pursue internal channels in resolving a dispute over his removal as Secretary General, halting further proceedings until that process is attempted.
In a ruling issued on Thursday, the tribunal instructed both sides to submit to ODM’s Internal Dispute Resolution Mechanism (IDRM) in good faith before the matter can return for hearing.
It further ordered that, as a sign of good faith, the decision removing Sifuna should not be filed with the Registrar of Political Parties while the internal process is ongoing.
"The complainant (Sifuna) and the first respondent (ODM) shall attempt to resolve the dispute through the first respondent’s IDRM mechanisms. Parties are encouraged to submit to IDRM in good faith,” the tribunal ordered.
Sifuna had moved to the tribunal contesting his removal, arguing that the move was unlawful and went against both the party constitution and the Political Parties Act.
In his application, the Nairobi senator sought to block the implementation of the decision and to stop the Registrar of Political Parties from effecting any changes linked to his removal.
The tribunal had earlier issued interim orders suspending the implementation of ODM’s National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution dated February 11, 2026, which removed him from the powerful position.
In the ruling, Acting PPDT chairperson Gad Gathu stated that any disciplinary steps taken by ODM must strictly follow the party constitution and the law, while also allowing room for parties to return to the tribunal if necessary under the Political Parties Act.
Sifuna had argued that he was removed without being given a fair hearing, prompting his urgent move to seek relief from the tribunal.
However, ODM opposed the case, maintaining that he had failed to exhaust internal party processes before approaching the tribunal.
The tribunal noted that the dispute highlights the importance of strengthening internal party systems and adherence to established procedures.
"We find that this is a situation that calls for the tribunal to exercise inherent jurisdiction, which it hereby does to strengthen internal political party democracy and enhance adherence to the law and the political party's governance instruments and procedures," the court noted.
The case was ultimately struck out, with each side ordered to bear its own costs