The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced a Special Delegates Convention scheduled for March 27, 2026, in Nairobi, amid growing internal divisions that have triggered a significant leadership dispute within the party.
In a formal notice dated March 5, ODM Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo confirmed that the convention will begin at 9:00 a.m., bringing together senior party officials and delegates from key governing organs.
Delegates from Key Party Structures to Attend
According to the notice, the convention will include members from the National Executive Committee (NEC), the parliamentary group, county governors, county assembly leaders, and representatives from the party’s youth, women, and disability leagues.
The meeting’s agenda is expected to address several critical issues shaping the party’s future. These include:
- Ratification of a National Governing Council (NGC) resolution concerning party leadership
- Consideration of a NEC resolution on Article 87 of the party constitution
- A keynote address by the party leader
The gathering is widely viewed as a decisive moment for ODM as competing factions within the party intensify their struggle for influence and direction.
Controversial Removal of Edwin Sifuna
The upcoming convention follows a controversial decision by the ODM National Executive Committee to remove Edwin Sifuna, the Nairobi Senator, from the influential position of Secretary General.
The decision was reached during a party meeting held in Mombasa on February 11, where party leaders cited concerns over discipline within the leadership structure. Omanyo was subsequently appointed to serve in the role in an acting capacity until a substantive office holder is elected.
The move triggered immediate backlash from sections of the party leadership, with some figures defending the decision while others rallied behind Sifuna.
ODM leader Oburu Oginga later clarified that Sifuna’s removal was limited to the administrative position and did not amount to expulsion from the party.
Tribunal Intervenes in Leadership Dispute
The dispute has since escalated into a legal battle. The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) issued orders temporarily blocking Sifuna’s removal from the Secretary General post.
The tribunal has directed the parties involved to present their submissions, with a hearing scheduled for March 12, 2026, further complicating the party’s leadership dynamics ahead of the delegates convention.
Emergence of Rival Factions
The controversy has crystallised into two competing camps within ODM.
One faction, known as “Linda Ground,” is aligned with Oburu Oginga and is perceived as supportive of a broader political arrangement that could see ODM cooperate with William Ruto and the ruling coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The opposing faction, labelled “Linda Mwananchi,” is associated with Sifuna and several prominent ODM leaders including Babu Owino, Member of Parliament for Embakasi East, and James Orengo, Governor of Siaya County.
This group strongly opposes closer ties with the ruling coalition and insists that ODM should maintain its role as a firm opposition force.
The rivalry has increasingly played out in public through competing political rallies, statements in the media, and disagreements over the party’s strategic direction.
Calls for Transparency After Raila Odinga’s Death
The internal tensions have also been intensified by calls for greater transparency within the party following the death of longtime ODM leader Raila Odinga.
His daughter, Winnie Odinga, recently criticised how the leadership transition was handled, arguing that party members were sidelined during key decisions.
Speaking during an interview on The Explainer on Citizen TV Kenya, she said the party failed to openly communicate with its members during a sensitive period following her father’s death.
Winnie argued that critical decisions had been taken by a small group without consultation with the broader membership.
She also insisted that key party organs such as the NEC and the Central Committee cannot lawfully make binding decisions on behalf of the party without ratification by a delegates convention.
A Critical Moment for ODM
With factional tensions deepening and legal challenges ongoing, the March 27 Special Delegates Convention is expected to play a pivotal role in determining ODM’s leadership structure, governance direction, and political strategy as the party prepares for the 2027 electoral cycle.
Political analysts say the outcome of the convention could determine whether ODM emerges united or faces the risk of a significant internal split.
