Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Odinga has urged his critics to challenge him at the party's National Delegates Conference (NDC) instead of making public allegations. Speaking at a funeral in Siaya County on Friday, he stated he would convene an NDC soon to address the party's challenges. This follows a secret meeting by a splinter group of ODM leaders demanding immediate leadership changes.
Oburu Odinga, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, spoke at a funeral in Siaya County on Friday, January 9, 2026, criticizing party members opposed to his leadership. He dismissed claims that he was not validly elected and urged detractors to raise issues at the upcoming National Delegates Conference (NDC). "I challenge those who are saying that I am not validly elected. I challenge them to meet me in the National Delegates Conference, which I shall convene very soon," Oburu said.
This came a day after a splinter group of ODM leaders, including Ruth Odinga, Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino, MP Millie Odhiambo, and former Attorney General Amos Wako, held a secret meeting. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino expressed ambitions to take over, stating 'after Baba, it is Babu.' Speaking to NTV, he demanded an immediate NDC. "What we are asking is that an NDC meeting be called with immediate effect in ODM. There was no procedure whatsoever in getting the new leadership of ODM in place," Owino said.
In response, Oburu announced he would call an NDC to resolve the infighting threatening the party. He also refuted assertions that the broad-based arrangement succeeded solely due to Raila Odinga's influence, claiming he chaired negotiations with President William Ruto's administration. This included meetings leading to cabinet appointments of Opiyo Wandayi, John Mbadi, Hassan Joho, and Wycliffe Oparanya.
"This broad-based arrangement, I want to assure those who are saying it was only Raila who could handle it and that Oburu does not know anything about it," he added. "I want to tell them that in all the meetings of the broad-based arrangement with Ruto, I have been the chairperson, including the ones which appointed Opiyo Wandayi, Mbadi and Joho to the cabinet."
Oburu stated that this year, ODM would initiate formal talks to renew its partnership with Ruto's government, forming a negotiation team. "I am telling you that it will not be a very easy negotiation. It is going to be tough, and we are going to get what our share should be, and this share depends on our unity and your membership in the party," he assured. The party is prepared to contest elections independently if coalition talks fail, positioning him as the presidential candidate.