NAIROBI, Kenya— Feb 12, 2026—Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been temporarily spared from removal as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General after the High Court halted the party’s decision, citing procedural irregularities.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, February 12, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal ordered the immediate suspension of the gazettement of Sifuna’s ouster pending the hearing and determination of the matter.
“Pending the hearing and determination of this instant application, this honourable tribunal hereby issues orders staying the implementation of the resolution made by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ODM Party,” the court ruled. “The respondents are restrained from publishing in the Kenya Gazette the resolution made on February 11, 2026, removing Edwin Sifuna as Secretary General of the party.”
The court scheduled the mention of the petition against ODM and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP) for February 26.
Sifuna filed the petition challenging NEC’s decision, calling it unlawful and a violation of the party constitution and principles of natural justice. Speaking to the press, the lawmaker said the move was politically motivated.
“I have taken note of the announcement made by a section of the ODM National Executive Committee purporting to remove me from the position of Secretary General. Let me state without fear of contradiction that this action is unlawful, unprocedural, and a blatant violation of the ODM constitution as well as principles of natural justice,” Sifuna said.
He further claimed that the removal was a targeted move because of his refusal to support President William Ruto’s leadership. “My only crime is opposing plans within the party to support President William Ruto’s re-election. I have held the firm position that this country cannot afford another five years of divisive misadventures,” he added.
The NEC, chaired by ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga, had announced Sifuna’s removal on February 11, citing rising levels of indiscipline and concerns over leadership conduct. Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo was appointed as acting Secretary General pending the election of a substantive officeholder.
Meanwhile, political activist Jeremiah Simiyu Fwamba, defended the NEC’s decision, arguing that Sifuna violated party rules and guidance.
He noted that ODM founder Raila Odinga had advised the party to cooperate with President Ruto’s government — guidance that Sifuna reportedly ignored while publicly criticising the administration.
However, the decision drew criticism from party insiders and former members. George Andala, a former ODM member who joined Jubilee, argued that Sifuna’s efforts to safeguard the party from what he called “collaboration with a tyrannical government” should have been recognised, rather than used as grounds for removal.
Despite the NEC’s attempt to remove him, the High Court’s intervention ensures that Sifuna remains ODM Secretary General until the legal challenge is heard and determined.
The case highlights ongoing internal tensions within ODM, raising questions about party discipline, political alignments, and adherence to constitutional procedures in leadership disputes.
