Sifuna's Equitable Party Involved in Fresh High Court Battle Over NDC

The political wrangles within the opposition-linked Equitable Party have escalated, with a party member moving to the High Court to challenge a tribunal decision that cleared the way for the group’s planned National Delegates Conference. Emmanuel Willyngtone Khamala filed the appeal shortly after the tribunal ruling that okayed the party to proceed with the NDC. The petitioner wants the Milimani High Court Tribunal Appeals Division to overturn a November 12, 2026, decision by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.

Khamala argues that the tribunal, chaired by Innocent Muganda, erred in dismissing his complaint, which raised concerns over the planned conference and decisions allegedly made without involving registered party members. He disputes the tribunal’s finding that the party leadership was legally constituted to undertake a name change without consulting or obtaining the views of its members. The appellant further challenges the tribunal’s determination that nominations conducted by the party on October 30, 2026, were proper and procedural.

The appeal names the National Executive Committee of the Equitable Party, its National Elections Board, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties and the Political Parties Liaison Committee as respondents. Khamala maintains that the party’s growing membership risks being sidelined in critical decision-making, electoral and leadership nomination processes. Through his lawyers Danstan Omari and Timothy Kilonzo, he wants the High Court to allow the appeal, set aside the tribunal’s ruling and issue interim orders stopping the planned National Delegates Conference.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has been listed as an interested party in the proceedings. The Equitable Party, led by Sifuna, had been cleared by the tribunal to proceed with the National Delegates Conference. However, Khamala's appeal has put the planned conference in doubt. The conference is expected to take place tomorrow, according to the initial schedule.

The dispute is linked to the Linda Mwananchi Movement, an opposition-linked group. The party has been undergoing internal wrangles, with Khamala's appeal highlighting concerns over the party's decision-making processes. The High Court will have to determine whether the tribunal erred in its decision and whether the planned conference should proceed.

The case has been filed at the Milimani High Court Tribunal Appeals Division, which will hear the appeal and make a determination. The outcome of the case could have implications for the Equitable Party and its planned National Delegates Conference. The party's leadership and members will be watching the proceedings closely.

The appeal is the latest development in the ongoing internal wrangles within the Equitable Party. The party's leadership, led by Sifuna, will have to navigate the challenges posed by Khamala's appeal. The High Court's decision will be crucial in determining the party's future and the fate of the planned National Delegates Conference.

Key points

• The dispute centers on the tribunal's decision to clear the Equitable Party to proceed with the National Delegates Conference.
• Khamala's appeal argues that the tribunal erred in dismissing his complaint.
• The outcome of the case could have implications for the Equitable Party and its planned National Delegates Conference.