Court Blocks ODM Move to Remove Nairobi Assembly Leaders
Tribunal halts leadership changes at Nairobi County Assembly amid ongoing political party disputes.
1Tribunal Issues Temporary Injunction
The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal has officially barred the Orange Democratic Movement from removing two Nairobi County Assembly members from their leadership roles. Chairperson Innocent Muganda issued the ruling on November 9, 2026, effectively freezing any changes to the assembly leadership until the legal application is fully heard and determined.
2Targeted Leadership Positions
The legal intervention specifically protects Kilimani MCA Moses Ogeto, who currently serves as the Majority Party Whip. Ogeto, a long-serving member since 2013, is preparing for a parliamentary bid in the 2027 General Election. The tribunal certified his application as urgent, allowing for an ex parte consideration before the full hearing.
3ODM Party Rationale
ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga announced the leadership changes last week, citing Ogeto’s shift in political allegiance. The party claimed Ogeto joined the Linda Mwananchi movement, necessitating his removal from his official ODM-backed position. The party also appointed new officials, including Stazo Omung’ala Elijah Ang’ila as the new Majority Party Whip.
4Coalition Dynamics and Shifts
The party leadership cited changes in coalition arrangements following ODM's withdrawal from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party. This withdrawal was confirmed by the Registrar of Political Parties on June 11, 2026. Consequently, the party sought to reorganize its representation on the Nairobi City County Assembly Service Board.
5Ogeto’s Political Trajectory
Moses Ogeto has publicly aligned himself with Senator Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi movement. He intends to contest the Dagoretti North parliamentary seat in 2027, a position currently held by ODM member Beatrice Elachi. Ogeto maintains that his actions are consistent with serving the public interest as advocated by late leader Raila Odinga.
6Procedural Next Steps
The tribunal has granted the respondents seven days to file their formal responses to the complaint. Mr. Ogeto has been permitted to submit a further affidavit by November 19 if necessary. All involved parties are expected to present their arguments during an inter partes hearing scheduled for November 23, 2026.
7Internal Party Tensions
This dispute highlights significant friction between the ODM national leadership and its representatives within the Nairobi County Assembly. By challenging the party's authority to unilaterally remove him, Ogeto has turned a local leadership issue into a broader legal battle regarding the rights of elected officials versus their respective political parties.
8Significance of the Ruling
The tribunal’s intervention preserves the status quo at City Hall, preventing immediate disruption to the assembly's hierarchy. This case serves as a critical test for party discipline mechanisms and the legal protections afforded to members who diverge from official party lines ahead of the upcoming 2027 General Election cycle in Kenya.
Original article: Nation Africa — Court Blocks ODM Move to Remove Nairobi Assembly Leaders