Orange Democratic Movement leader Oburu Oginga has challenged those questioning his legitimacy to face him at the party’s National Delegates Conference set for March 27, saying the forum will provide a lawful and democratic space to resolve the dispute.
Addressing the growing debate within the party on Sunday, Oburu said the ODM leadership had formally called the meeting and urged critics to use the gathering to air their concerns before delegates drawn from across the country.
He dismissed claims that his position was not properly endorsed, insisting the upcoming conference would settle the matter once and for all.
The National Delegates Conference is the top decision-making organ of the Orange Democratic Movement and has the mandate to approve major party decisions, including leadership changes.
“We are going to have our NDC. Those who have been saying Oburu is an illegitimate ODM party leader because he was not confirmed by NDC, we have called the meeting on March 27, and we are inviting them to come, and if they have something to say to Kenyans, let them come and say it there. We shall meet them there. Delegates, will you give me the leadership of the party?” he said.
The March 27 meeting is expected to bring together party officials, elected leaders and delegates from different regions as ODM prepares for the next general election.
However, divisions have emerged within the party, with a section of leaders disputing how Oburu assumed office following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Babu Owino, the Embakasi East MP, criticised the speed at which the new leadership was put in place, arguing that the process did not follow party procedures and lacked openness.
“Baba dies a day like today, and tomorrow you are installed as the party leader. Why the hurry? Baba wasn’t even buried, and already the party was taken,” he said.
“What was the hurry about and the manner in which it was done? That meeting was an illegal meeting; it was not procedurally called.”
Babu stressed that any valid NDC must be properly convened and guided by the party constitution. He maintained that the delegates list should be audited and the agenda clearly set out before members can take part.
“We can only attend an NDC if the delegates are audited and if it is called by the SG, who is Edwin Sifuna. If Sifuna does not call the NDC, it will not be an NDC; it will be a kangaroo meeting,” he said.
He further noted that he made those remarks on Oburu Odinga’s involvement, with a lot of respect for him as a leader, but added that public interest and adherence to procedure are paramount.
“The manner in which some leaders conducted themselves was not procedural. We were elected by Kenyans, and we will not let them down by playing games,” he said.
As tensions continue within ODM, the March 27 National Delegates Conference is now shaping up as a decisive moment for the party, with both Oburu and his critics preparing to test their support before delegates.
