ODM party chairperson Gladys Wanga has dismissed plans by the Linda Mwananchi faction for a parallel National Delegates Conference, terming it a plot to mislead members. She insisted that only the National Executive Committee has authority to convene such a meeting. Her remarks followed Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna's announcement that he would not attend the official NDC.
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairperson Gladys Wanga dismissed plans by the Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi faction to hold a parallel National Delegates Conference (NDC) on March 27. Speaking at a press briefing at Chungwa House on March 19, 2026, the Homa Bay governor described the move as a plot to create confusion and mislead party members. “There was a call the whole of last year to hold an NDC, and the NEC sat and agreed to call one. Therefore, for anyone to claim they are organising an NDC, they must tell us which NEC met and made that decision,” Wanga stated. “This is a plot to create confusion, to create sideshows and mislead our members,” she added. Wanga emphasised that the official NDC was convened in line with the party constitution, including a mandatory 21-day notice and clear eligibility for delegates, set for Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi. Sifuna had announced he would not attend, claiming he was not invited, but Wanga clarified that participation is not by invitation but by position in party structures. As an ODM senator, Sifuna qualifies automatically as part of the parliamentary group. “NDC is not for people to be invited. It is for a notice to be issued by the party, and those to attend are clearly outlined in the constitution,” she said. The faction claims delegates from 35 counties, while Wanga noted ODM operates in all 47 counties. Tensions are rising ahead of the NDC, which is expected to influence party leadership before the 2027 elections.