Tribunal reinstates Sifuna as ODM SG, orders fair disciplinary process

[00:00:00]The political parties' disputes tribunal has handed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna a reprieve, ruling that the Orange Democratic Movement, that is ODM, had procedurally and unfairly kicked him out as the party's secretary general. The tribunal ruling that the Orange party can proceed with its disciplinary process against Sifuna, but under strict adherence to the party constitution and according Nairobi Senator the right to a fair process. Citizen TV's Ben Kirui has more.

[00:00:30]>> [music] >> The standoff between Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the Orange Democratic Movement ODM is set to continue after the political parties disputes tribunal, ordered the party to restart disciplinary proceeding against the embattled Nairobi Senator and adhere to principles of fairness and due process.

[00:00:49]In a ruling, the tribunal found that ODM failed to accord him an opportunity to defend himself before moving to kick him out from his position. The tribunal held that the party did not follow fair disciplinary procedures prior to initiating sanctions against the outspoken secretary general. The tribunal says that the party's actions contravened the requirement of due process. The disciplinary steps are taken against the secretary general were procedurally unfair.

[00:01:17]>> [music] >> However, the tribunal did not shield Sifuna from disciplinary action all together, clarifying that ODM remains at liberty to institute fresh proceeding against him provided that the process strictly with the law, the party constitution and its internal regulations. The Orange party, while reacting to the ruling, noted that the tribunal directed the party to proceed with and conclude any disciplinary proceedings lawfully initiated against the senator. All interim orders that the senator had obtained were consequently vacated. The ODM further says that today's judgment is a significant reaffirmation of the doctrine of exhaustion, which requires parties to first exhaust available internal dispute resolution mechanism before seeking the intervention of external adjudicative bodies. It further adds that as the court had held in its ruling of 26th of March, 2026, the tribunal reiterated that the dispute before it was premature, noting that the party's internal dispute resolution mechanism had not been exhausted. ODM says the decision by the PPT underscores the importance of respecting and allowing political parties to exercise their constitutionally and statutorily recognized mandate to manage their internal affairs in accordance with their constitutions and governing rules.

[00:02:34]The dispute stems from a February meeting of ODM's National Executive Committee, chaired by party chairman Dr. Oduor Ongwen, where members unanimously resolved that to remove Sifuna from the post of Secretary General with immediate effect. The tribunal's ruling effectively resets the disciplinary process, requiring ODM to go back to the drawing board and begin a fresh should it choose to pursue the matter, while ensuring that Sifuna is accorded the fair procedures guaranteed under the law.

[00:03:01]Ben Kirui, Citizen TV, Nairobi.