In a significant ruling, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has dismissed a case brought by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna challenging his removal as the Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). The Tribunal determined that it does not have the jurisdiction to hear and resolve the dispute, stating that it cannot exempt the requirement for internal dispute resolution mechanisms (IDRM) as outlined in Section 40, Subsection 2 of the Political Parties Act.
Sifuna had approached the Tribunal to block his ouster following the ODM National Executive Committee's (NEC) decision on February 11 to relieve him of his duties as Secretary General. The NEC resolution was prompted by internal deliberations regarding Sifuna's conduct, and acting Secretary General Catherine Omanyo announced the decision, stating that Sifuna's removal would take effect immediately.
Despite the NEC's action, the Tribunal intervened the day after the decision, ordering the suspension of the gazettement of Sifuna’s ouster pending further hearings. This ruling had granted Sifuna a temporary reprieve and sparked speculation about the party's internal wrangling.
"The Tribunal cannot assume jurisdiction in this matter as the provisions for internal dispute resolution mechanisms must be followed," said the Tribunal in its ruling, effectively putting an end to Sifuna's attempt to halt his removal.
This decision comes just hours before the ODM Special Delegates Convention, set for Friday, March 27, at the Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi. The convention is expected to address key issues within the party, including the contentious question of Sifuna's ouster. The reinstatement of Oburu Odinga as the party leader is also on the agenda. However, a faction of the party, led by Linda Mwananchi, has announced that it will boycott the convention and instead hold a parallel National Delegates Convention (NDC) on the same day.
This dramatic turn of events underscores the deepening divisions within ODM, as party leadership struggles to maintain unity amid internal conflicts. With the party set to face multiple challenges, the implications of this legal battle will likely shape its future direction.