The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has moved to quash attempts by the Linda Mwananchi faction to hold a separate National Delegates Conference (NDC) on March 27, calling the move misleading and designed to confuse party members.
Speaking at a press briefing at Chungwa House on Thursday, ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga said that only the National Executive Committee (NEC) has the mandate to convene the party’s NDC. She further challenged the faction led by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna to clarify which NEC body had authorized the parallel meeting.
"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.
Wanga described the move as a deliberate attempt to mislead members and create unnecessary distractions. "This is a plot to create confusion, to create sideshows and mislead our members," she added.
The Homabay County governor noted that the official NDC has been convened in full compliance with the party constitution, including issuance of the mandatory 21-day notice and clear identification of eligible delegates.
Her statement followed threats by the Linda Mwananchi faction to hold a parallel NDC after the official conference is set for March 27 at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi. In response, Sifuna said he would not attend, claiming he was not invited.
Wanga clarified that participation in the NDC is not by invitation but by virtue of one’s position within party structures. She emphasized that as an ODM senator, Sifuna automatically qualifies as a delegate by being 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," Wanga said.
Addressing claims from the Mwananchi faction that they had delegates from 35 counties, she reiterated that ODM operates in all 47 counties and that legitimate delegates are well-defined and constitutionally recognized.
The chairperson’s remarks come amid rising tensions within ODM, as internal wrangles intensify ahead of the NDC that is expected to shape the party’s leadership and strategy ahead of the 2027 general election.
