The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) was poised to deliver a crucial judgment regarding the contested removal of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Secretary-General. Sifuna, photographed with other ODM members on February 12, 2026, after his alleged removal, challenged the legality of the Mombasa resolution passed on February 11, 2026, which purported to strip him of his position. The acting Chairperson Gad Gathu-led bench was tasked with determining whether this act violated ODM's constitution and established procedures.

Amidst the tribunal's deliberation, ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga publicly stated on March 26, 2026, that she does not recognize Edwin Sifuna as the party’s Secretary-General. Speaking on Spice FM, the Homa Bay governor criticized Sifuna for consistently opposing party positions and for showing disrespect towards the new party leader, Oburu Oginga. Wanga contrasted Sifuna's behavior under the late Raila Odinga, noting his increased defiance under Oburu's leadership. She highlighted Sifuna's public questioning of Oburu’s legitimacy, despite having officiated his swearing-in during a National Governing Council meeting in Mombasa on November 13 of the previous year. Wanga asserted that it was no longer tenable for Sifuna to speak on behalf of the party, indicating that similar principles would apply to her own position if she failed to uphold party principles. She added that while the party would abide by any PPDT decision to reinstate Sifuna, they would initiate a fresh process if they maintained their original stance on his removal.

Sifuna's legal challenge argued that his removal was unconstitutional and lacked proper procedure, as key party organs like the Central Management Committee (CMC) and National Executive Committee (NEC) were not properly constituted to make such decisions. He further contended that this procedural flaw also rendered Oburu Oginga’s appointment as party leader invalid. Sifuna, a senior figure within ODM, has been vocal in questioning the party’s proposed coalition with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and has raised concerns about spending on party events.

Meanwhile, the ODM National Special Delegates Conference (SDC), scheduled for Friday at Jamhuri Grounds, was given the green light to proceed after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal dismissed two separate cases seeking to block the meeting. The PPDT, led by acting Chairperson Gad Gathu, rejected applications from ODM life member Vincent Chepkwony, and from Moses Wamuuru, Daniel Muthomi Mbugu, and two others on Thursday evening. The tribunal ruled that the applicants had failed to demonstrate a basis for granting conservatory orders or that their cases would be rendered nugatory.

The petitioners had challenged the legality of ODM's current leadership, arguing that following the death of the party’s founding leader, Raila Odinga, on October 15, 2025, no National Delegates Convention (NDC) had been held to elect the Interim Party Leader, Oburu Oginga, or other National Officials as mandated by the party's constitution. They claimed that some members purporting to constitute the Central Committee and NEC had made decisions, including resolutions on October 16, 2025, and February 11, 2026, without proper constitutional authority. They sought declarations that the interim party leader and current national officials were holding office illegally, that NEC and Central Committee decisions were null and void, and that the SDC should be suspended. However, the tribunal dismissed these claims, finding no demonstration of irreparable harm or rights protection if the suspension was granted.

The party's internal wrangles are expected to intensify as both the