The High Court has issued conservatory orders temporarily stopping the removal of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), offering a major reprieve to the embattled Nairobi Senator.
The court’s intervention follows a dramatic decision by the ODM NEC on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in Mombasa, where members announced that Sifuna had been relieved of his duties with immediate effect. The committee had further named Busia Woman Representative Catherine Nakhabi Omanyo as Acting Secretary General pending the appointment of a substantive office holder.
However, Sifuna swiftly rejected the NEC’s decision, terming it “illegal and unprocedural,” and moved to court to challenge what he described as a violation of party constitution and due process. In his court filings, the Senator argued that he had not been notified of any disciplinary proceedings nor accorded a fair hearing before the decision was made.
The High Court’s orders now suspend the implementation of the NEC resolution pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Background to the Dispute
Sifuna’s ouster comes amid months of internal tensions within ODM, largely linked to differences over the party’s evolving political posture and its perceived engagement with the Kenya Kwanza administration under President William Ruto.
The Nairobi Senator has been vocal in opposing what he describes as efforts to align ODM with the ruling coalition, particularly under the emerging “broad-based” political arrangement. His firm public stance against any plan to support President Ruto’s re-election bid is believed to have placed him at odds with sections of the party leadership.
In recent weeks, the disagreement had escalated into open political exchanges, with rival factions within ODM taking divergent positions on the party’s strategic direction. Supporters of the NEC decision cited concerns over discipline and leadership conduct, while Sifuna’s allies framed the move as an attempt to silence dissent and suppress internal democracy.
Political Implications
The High Court’s decision effectively preserves the status quo within ODM’s secretariat and prevents immediate restructuring of the party’s top administrative office.
The Secretary General’s role is central to the party’s operations, including coordination of party activities, communication, and compliance with the Political Parties Act. As such, the legal battle carries significant implications for ODM’s internal cohesion and political trajectory ahead of future electoral contests.
With the matter now before the judiciary, both camps are expected to await further directions from the court as the legal process unfolds.
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