Sifuna’s troubles deepen as tribunal upholds removal as ODM’s SG

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s political troubles deepened after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal dismised his bid to overturn his removal as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The tribunal dismissed his complaint, ruling there was no procedural basis to interfere with the disciplinary process initiated by the party.

Sifuna had challenged ODM’s decision to establish a special disciplinary panel instead of allowing the party’s Disciplinary Committee to handle his case.

However, the tribunal ruled that the National Executive Committee was empowered under Article 51 of the ODM constitution to establish committees for specific functions.

It also dismissed claims that Sifuna was denied a fair hearing, finding that he had been given an opportunity and facilities to defend himself but failed to submit a substantive defence or participate in the proceedings.