ODM faces deepening divisions as rival factions plan parallel conventions
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing an unprecedented internal crisis, with rival factions now planning to hold parallel National Delegates Conventions (NDCs), a move that threatens to fracture the party ahead of critical leadership and policy decisions.
The latest confrontation emerged after the Linda Mwananchi faction announced its intention to convene a “People’s National Delegates Convention” on March 27, the same day that the party’s official NDC, organised by the Linda Ground faction, is scheduled.
Speaking at a press briefing, leaders of the Linda Mwananchi movement, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, and Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, declared that they would not recognize the Oburu Oginga-led Linda Ground NDC, terming it illegal and unconstitutional.
The Oburu-led faction, however, has dismissed the rival convention, reaffirming that the official NDC will take place at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi. ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, alongside Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, emphasized that only one legitimate NDC exists under party rules.
“There will be only one NDC of the ODM happening on Jamhuri Grounds…ODM as an institution is 21 years old this year and ways to call an NDC are stipulated in the party Constitution,” Wanga stated, arguing that the Linda Mwananchi group had no constitutional basis to convene an alternative gathering.
The ongoing factionalism reflects both personal and ideological rifts within ODM following the death of party leader Raila Odinga on October 15, 2025.
The interim leadership of his uncle, Oburu Oginga, has been contested, with questions over procedural legitimacy fueling dissent among senior leaders aligned with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Some of the party fence-sitters analysts note that the rivalry is as much about control of party structures as it is about policy direction.
The Linda Ground faction’s agenda includes ratifying resolutions by the National Governing Council and addressing the party constitution’s Article 87, which governs internal leadership processes.
By contrast, the Linda Mwananchi group is attempting to rally grassroots support and assert a “people-driven” mandate, signaling a broader challenge to top-down party control.
The discord has also extended to broader governance issues. Orengo and Owino used the press briefing to condemn rising political insults and verbal attacks by the presidency, calling out language they described as hate speech and unbecoming of national leadership. Both leaders framed their criticism within the context of constitutional principles, arguing that leadership should promote unity, dignity, and stability.
The factional battle is occurring against the backdrop of endorsement of Winnie Odinga as ODM deputy party leader.
While the Linda Mwananchi leaders refrained from taking a position on her appointment, they emphasized that her decision to engage with party politics is a personal democratic right.
The party has announced plans to engage the public starting March 22, 2026, signaling attempts to consolidate support ahead of the dual NDCs.
