The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has suspended the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) resolution seeking to remove Edwin Sifuna from his position as the party’s Secretary General, dealing a temporary setback to efforts aimed at ousting him from office.In interim orders issued pending the hearing and determination of the dispute, the tribunal also barred the publication of the contested resolution in the Kenya Gazette.
Publication in the Gazette is a key legal step required to formalize changes in party officials, meaning the decision effectively halts the implementation of the resolution until the matter is fully heard.The tribunal’s directive will remain in force until the case is heard and determined on its merits.
This grants Sifuna temporary relief as the dispute over his position moves into a formal legal process.The case was filed challenging the legality and procedure of the party’s decision to remove him.
While details of the internal processes that led to the resolution have not been made public in full, the tribunal is expected to examine whether the party adhered to its constitution and the Political Parties Act in attempting to effect the leadership change.The latest development adds a new twist to the unfolding leadership wrangles within ODM.
As Secretary General, Sifuna holds a key administrative role in the party, overseeing operations and serving as one of its principal officials.
Any change in that office carries significant political and organizational implications.With the tribunal’s intervention, the status quo remains in place until a substantive ruling is delivered.
The matter is now set to proceed to a full hearing, where both sides will present their arguments before the tribunal makes a final determination on the validity of the contested resolution.
