Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has raised objections to the planned Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) National Delegates Conference (NDC), insisting that the meeting must strictly follow party constitutional procedures to be considered legitimate.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV Sunday night, Owino said he and like-minded party members will only attend the conference if the list of delegates is thoroughly verified and the meeting is formally convened by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
“We can only attend the NDC if the delegates are audited one by one and if the NDC is called by the Secretary General, who is Edwin Sifuna. If Sifuna does not call the NDC, then it will not be an NDC. It will be a kangaroo meeting,” Owino stated.
The lawmaker was responding to the recent announcement by ODM Secretary General and Busia Woman Representative Catherine Omanyo that the party will hold its NDC on March 27, 2026.
Owino emphasized that adherence to party rules is essential to safeguard internal democracy and avoid disputes that could weaken the party ahead of future elections.
He argued that the legitimacy of the conference depends not only on proper notice but also on the lawful composition of delegates.
“We do not want an NDC that is not procedurally called. We want an NDC called by the Secretary General. None of the office holders followed the procedure to be in office except the SG,” he added.
His remarks highlight emerging divisions within ODM over leadership structures and decision-making processes.
The NDC is the party’s supreme decision-making organ and is expected to deliberate on internal governance, party strategy, and preparations for the 2027 General Election.