By Bonface Mulyungi

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has reserved its judgment for June 18, 2026, in a case filed by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna challenging a disciplinary process initiated against him by the party.

During submissions before the Tribunal, Senior Counsel Isaac Okero, appearing for Sifuna, argued that the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) violated both the party’s constitution and the Fair Administrative Action Act when it resolved on February 11, 2026, to remove the complainant without first according him a hearing.

However, lawyers representing ODM urged the Tribunal to dismiss the complaint, arguing that the matter is premature because the party’s internal disciplinary mechanisms have not been exhausted.

Lawyer Ken Amondi, representing ODM, told the Tribunal that what is before it is a disciplinary process currently being handled by a panel constituted by the party.

“The complaint is premature because the disciplinary process is ongoing and can be dealt with by the panel established by the ODM Party,” he submitted.

Advocate Sam Makori echoed the argument, stating that the dispute remains active before the party’s disciplinary structures and that intervention by the Tribunal at this stage would amount to an overreach.

“The ODM Party must be given room to exhaust its internal mechanisms,” Makori argued.

Senior Counsel T.J. Kajwang further urged the Tribunal to allow political parties the necessary space to manage their internal disciplinary affairs.

“The Tribunal must give latitude and breathing space to political parties in disciplinary proceedings so that political parties are built as institutions,” Kajwang submitted.

The ODM Party consequently asked the Tribunal to dismiss Sifuna’s complaint.

After hearing submissions from all parties, the PPDT reserved its judgment for June 18, 2026.