The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) convenes its first Special Delegates Conference (NDC) today, marking a critical test of party unity following the death of its long-time leader, Raila Odinga.
The gathering comes in the wake of a controversial Political Parties Disputes Tribunal ruling that cleared the path for party officials to proceed with the meeting.
The tribunal struck out a complaint by outgoing secretary-general Edwin Sifuna, who had challenged his removal, but instructed that ODM must not notify the registrar until the party ensures a fair internal hearing.
The decision effectively paved the way for Oburu Oginga and his allies to seek confirmation as substantive party leaders alongside other interim officials.
Oburu Oginga’s camp appears poised to consolidate control, with the tribunal also declining to block the elevation of Winnie Odinga as Nairobi’s top delegate.
Sources close to the party indicate that the leadership team will use today’s NDC to reinforce its authority and sideline dissenting voices.
A faction aligned with Sifuna has signaled a boycott, planning to hold a parallel forum outside the main meeting.
Analysts suggest this split underscores the enduring tension between the party’s institutional leadership and members loyal to the former secretary-general.
In addition to internal leadership issues, delegates are expected to endorse pre-poll coalition talks with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), a move that critics have described as a potential “hostile takeover” by the interim leadership.
Today’s NDC is thus being closely watched as a barometer of ODM’s ability to maintain cohesion amid competing claims for control.
Party insiders warn that the outcome could define the party’s strategy ahead of the 2027 elections, shaping both leadership legitimacy and coalition positioning.