Sharp tension has emerged within the ODM party following the decision to exclude competitive elections for national officials at the National Delegates Conference (NDC) scheduled for March 27. Instead, the meeting will confirm previously appointed interim officials. The opposing faction rejects this move and threatens to boycott.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is facing internal divisions after the National Executive Committee (NEC) decided on Wednesday to hold no competitive elections for national officials at the National Delegates Conference (NDC) on March 27. The agenda has been narrowed to confirm interim officials appointed by the National Governing Council (NGC) last year in Mombasa, including Dr. Oginga as leader, his deputies Osotsi, Abdulswamad Nassir and Simba Arati, along with National Chair Gladys Wanga.
This decision is seen as a strategy by the faction supporting leader Oburu Oginga to consolidate his position following Raila Odinga's death in October 2025. The party plans another NDC in December this year or early 2027 to address other issues, including a possible pre-election alliance with President William Ruto's UDA.
The rival faction, led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Deputy Leader Godfrey Osotsi, Siaya Governor James Orengo and MP Babu Owino, has declared it will not participate unless positions are contested democratically. Senator Osotsi cited Article 47 of the party constitution, which grants NDC authority to elect officials, stating the dispute can only be resolved through open elections. They also demand early publication of the delegate list and completion of branch elections in key counties like Nairobi and Kisumu.
Makadara MP George Aladwa stated it is not the time for national elections, as branch polls remain incomplete, and aspirants should wait for the next NDC. Additionally, after NEC removed Sifuna and appointed Catherine Omanyo as acting Secretary General, the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal ordered a stay on implementation until the case is heard.
The NDC comprises NEC members, MPs, governors and county branch chairs, totaling 3,000 delegates. The meeting is viewed as a test of ODM's direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
