The Political Parties Tribunal (PPT) has halted attempts to remove the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna by its National Executive Committee.
In a ruling delivered today, the Tribunal suspended the implementation of a resolution passed by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) on February 11.
“That pending the hearing and determination of this instant application, inter partes, this Honourable Tribunal hereby issues orders staying the implementation of the Resolution made by the National Executive Committee of the Orange Democratic Movement Party on 11th February, 2026 to remove Edwin Sifuna as the Secretary General of the Party,” the ruling read.
The NEC decision had sought to eject Sifuna from the party’s top administrative position.
The Tribunal also barred the publication of the contested resolution in the Kenya Gazette. “That pending the hearing and determination of this instant application, inter partes, this Honourable Tribunal hereby issues an order restraining the Respondents from publishing in the Kenya Gazette the Resolution made on 11th February 11th February 2026 to remove Edwin Sifuna as the Secretary General of the Party,” the ruling added.
Following the orders, Sifuna remains in office pending the hearing and determination of the case after both sides present their arguments.
ODM had announced Sifuna’s dismissal on Wednesday after a National Executive Council meeting and named Catherine Omanyo, one of the deputy secretaries general, as acting 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,” the statement read in part.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Shariff said the decision was informed by Sifuna’s alleged disrespect toward the party leadership, including questioning the appointment of Oburu Odinga as party leader.
“It is immoral for anyone to challenge the validity of Oburu Odinga in private or in public. No one can claim to be oxygen, without which we cannot live. Anyone is replaceable in this party,” he declared.
In response, Sifuna insisted he remained the duly elected Secretary General and vowed to contest the decision.
“Our party’s constitution places a responsibility on us to fight for ODM, and fight we shall. We will challenge every illegality in the courts of law and public opinion; surrender is not an option.
“I remain a loyal member and the duly elected Secretary General of the ODM party. I remain committed to the struggle for a fair, just and democratic Kenya,” he declared.
Sifuna said he does not recognise Senator Oburu Odinga as party leader and accused the current leadership of undermining the legacy of the late Raila Odinga.
“Raila would have never allowed hisparty to be turned into a mere appendage of State House, where decisions are rubber-stamped after instructions are received from the regime,” he stated.
The Nairobi Senator further said he would continue opposing President William Ruto’s administration.
“We should not fall for the allure of easy largesse and heap promises made to the electorate for the sole purpose of perpetuating the age-old slavery inflicted on the citizens of this nation by a regime that lacks legitimacy,” he further stated.
