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Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been granted a reprieve after the High Court blocked his removal as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, February 12, the court ordered an immediate halt to the gazettement of Sifuna’s ouster, pending the full hearing and determination of the case.
The petition against ODM and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) has been scheduled for mention on February 26, 2026.
The court’s decision comes shortly after Sifuna filed a petition contesting the ODM National Executive Committee’s (NEC) vote yesterday to dismiss him from his party role.
Application Certified Urgent
The matter came before Hon. Gad Gathu, Acting Chairperson of the The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) following a Notice of Motion Application dated February 11, 2026 filed under a Certificate of Urgency.
In the ruling, the Tribunal stated:
“THAT the Notice of Motion application dated February 11 ,2026 be and is hereby certified urgent.”
The case, filed as PPDT/C/E004/2026, lists Edwin Watenya Sifuna as the complainant, with the Orange Democratic Movement and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties named as respondents.
Orders to Respondents
The Tribunal directed that the complaint and application be served immediately upon the respondents.
Also Read:Sifuna Finally Decides Whether to Attend ODM’s NDC Meeting
It further ordered:
“THAT the Respondents to file and serve their response(s) to the Complaint and Application within 7 days of the date hereof…”
The complainant was granted leave to file any supplementary response within three days of service, if necessary.
The matter is scheduled for mention on February 26, 2026 at 2:30 pm to confirm compliance and provide further directions.
Stay on ODM Resolution
Significantly, the Tribunal issued interim conservatory orders stopping ODM from implementing its National Executive Committee (NEC) resolution made on February 11,2026 to remove Sifuna from office.
The order reads:
“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.”
This effectively means Sifuna remains in office until the matter is heard and determined.
Gazette Notice Barred
In addition, the Tribunal restrained the respondents from formalizing the removal through publication in the Kenya Gazette.
The ruling states:
“THAT pending the hearing and determination of this instant application… this Honourable Tribunal hereby issues an order restraining the Respondents from publishing in the Kenya Gazette the Resolution made on 11th February 2026 to remove Edwin Sifuna as the Secretary General of the Party.”
What Happens Next
The Tribunal’s orders are temporary and will remain in force until the case is heard inter partes- meaning both sides will have an opportunity to present their arguments.
Also Read:Edwin Sifuna Refuses to Leave ODM Secretary General Position
For now, the Tribunal’s intervention has preserved the status quo, placing the party’s controversial resolution on hold pending legal determination.
Speaking to the media, the outspoken legislator described the party’s move as unlawful and vowed to fight it in court.
“I have taken note of the announcement made by a section of the ODM National Executive Committee in Mombasa yesterday purporting to remove me from the position of secretary general of ODM,” he said.
“Let me state without fear of contradiction that this action is unlawful, unprocedural and a blatant violation of the ODM constitution as well as the principles of natural justice,” Sifuna added.
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Edwin Sifuna speaking at past event. PHOTO/pixels
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