By Andrew Kariuki
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has slated March 12, 2026, as the date for the hearing of a dispute filed by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna contesting his removal as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In directions issued on Thursday, February 26, 2026, the Tribunal also ordered ODM to file and serve documents confirming authority to swear affidavits, together with transcripts of the evidence it intends to rely on, within three days.
At the same time, the Tribunal directed Sifuna to file and serve his written submissions within seven days.
“The respondent will have seven days from the date of service to file and serve their submissions; then the hearing, by way of highlighting oral submissions, will be held on March 12, 2026, at 10 am,” Acting PPDT Chairperson Gad Gathu directed.
During the proceedings, ODM informed the Tribunal that it had already supplied hard copy recordings of the material it intends to rely on and would be submitting them to the registry.
However, the party acknowledged that the recordings were not accompanied by transcripts, indicating that these would be filed subsequently alongside other materials.
ODM further told the Tribunal that although it does not have video evidence, it intends to rely on transcripts, screenshots and screen grabs sourced from media coverage.
It also confirmed that it had filed a certificate of electronic evidence and would provide copies of the digital material to the registry.
The matter arises from Sifuna’s challenge to a decision by the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) to remove him from his position as Secretary General on February 11, 2026.
Earlier, on February 12, 2026, the Tribunal issued interim orders halting the implementation of the NEC resolution and restraining the party from gazetting the decision pending the hearing and determination of the dispute.
In his application, Sifuna argues that the resolution to remove him was irregular and unlawful, stating that the issue of his removal was not included in the agenda of the meeting that made the decision.
He further contends that he was not notified of any complaint against him and was not given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
Additionally, Sifuna claims that the party failed to issue him with a notice to show cause, thereby denying him the right to a fair hearing.
He also challenges the speed with which the party moved to appoint his deputy as Acting Secretary General and to set a date for a National Delegates Convention.
“The ODM NEC’s resolution was made in breach of the provisions of Article 74 of the ODM Constitution, Section 4 of the Fair Administrative Action Act, Cap 7L Laws of Kenya, and Article 47 of the Constitution,” Sifuna adds.
The Tribunal is expected to determine whether the removal complied with the party’s internal rules and constitutional requirements, as well as the broader legal standards governing fair administrative action.
