The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership aligned to the Linda Ground faction has rejected plans by a rival wing to convene a parallel National Delegates Convention (NDC), insisting that only one legitimate gathering will take place next Friday.
Speaking to the press outside the party headquarters on Thursday, March 19, ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga dismissed the move by the opposing Linda Mwananchi faction, terming it unconstitutional and procedurally flawed. She was flanked by Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.
One Official Convention at Jamhuri Grounds
Wanga confirmed that the party’s official NDC will be held at Jamhuri Grounds, bringing together delegates from all 47 counties.
“There will be only one NDC of the ODM happening at Jamhuri Grounds… ODM as an institution is 21 years old this year and the procedures to call an NDC are clearly stipulated in the party constitution,” Wanga said.
She emphasized that while members are free to hold political gatherings, only the convention sanctioned through official party structures would be recognized.
Dispute Over Legitimacy and Procedure
Wanga questioned the legality of the rival faction’s proposed convention, noting that the authority to convene an NDC lies exclusively with the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
According to her, the NEC had already deliberated and approved the upcoming convention, with the required 21-day notice duly issued in line with the party constitution.
“Anyone claiming to call an NDC must indicate which NEC meeting sanctioned it,” she stated.
Junet Mohamed reinforced this position, stating that only decisions ratified by the NEC and the National Governing Council can form the basis of an official NDC agenda.
Rival Faction Plans “People’s NDC”
The dispute comes amid escalating internal divisions within ODM, with the Linda Mwananchi faction announcing plans to boycott the official convention.
The group, associated with Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, has indicated it will organise a separate “people’s NDC.”
Orengo, speaking on behalf of the faction, announced that the alternative convention will be held in Nairobi on March 27 at a venue yet to be disclosed.
Growing Political Tensions
The parallel plans have heightened tensions within the party, raising concerns about unity and internal governance in one of Kenya’s largest political formations. Analysts warn that the outcome of the competing conventions could significantly influence ODM’s direction ahead of future political engagements.
