The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) has cleared the way for a full hearing of a complaint filed by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. In a decisive move, the Tribunal dismissed a preliminary objection raised by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and affirmed its jurisdiction to handle the legal showdown.
The ruling marks a significant milestone for the case, filed under reference PPDTC/E014/2026. By tossing out the objection, the panel ensured the dispute would advance to a substantive hearing where the core issues will face detailed scrutiny.
“We are satisfied that this Tribunal has jurisdiction to hear and determine the complaint,” the panel ruled.
Internal Party Mechanisms Under Scrutiny
The case pits Senator Sifuna against his own party, ODM, and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties (ORPP).
ODM’s legal team, led by advocates Ken Amondi and Sam Makori, initially attempted to stall the proceedings. They argued that Sifuna moved too quickly by approaching the Tribunal before exhausting the party’s own internal conflict resolution channels.
“The complaint is premature in light of the subsisting internal processes,” the defense submitted.
However, the Tribunal drew a firm line regarding these internal procedures. While the judges allowed ODM’s internal mechanisms to proceed, they issued a directive that puts any party-led outcome on ice. The Tribunal ordered that any internal decision remain suspended and take no effect until the PPDT hears and determines the matter. This move prevents the party from making a final call that could undercut the ongoing legal process.
Waiting for the Substantive Hearing
Regarding immediate action, the Tribunal declined to issue conservatory orders at this stage, indicating that the bench must first grasp the full weight of the complaint before granting protective measures.
“No definitive conclusions can be reached without first interrogating the substantive questions,” the Tribunal noted.
This decision creates a careful balance in the Sifuna vs. ODM dispute. While the tribunal has not yet granted the senator’s requested relief, it has firmly taken the reins of the process. All eyes now turn to the upcoming substantive hearing, which will likely dictate the political future of both the Nairobi senator and the leadership within the Orange Party.
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