By Anderson Ojwang
On March 27 this year, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is set for what is shaping up to be a battle of parallel conventions within the party.
Two rival factions have planned separate meetings, with the Linda Ground wing set to hold the Special National Delegates Conference (SNDC), while the Linda Mwanainchi faction has announced a parallel People’s National Delegates Convention.
The Linda Mwanainchi faction, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, ODM Deputy Party Leader Geoffrey Osotsi, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, said their convention will run concurrently with the SNDC organized by the Oburu Oginga-led faction.
“On March 27, we will hold the People’s National Delegates Convention, which will run parallel to the SNDC called by the Linda Ground faction,” Osotsi said.
Osotsi also revealed that legal challenges have already been filed to contest the legitimacy of the SNDC.
“Some ODM members have gone to court questioning the legitimacy and legality of the NDC,” he said.
He described the SNDC as illegal, unconstitutional, and undemocratic, urging delegates to attend the alternative convention.
“As Linda Mwanainchi, we have made a decision that we are not going to participate in the NDC convened and organized by the Linda Ground group. This is because the NDC is illegal, unconstitutional, and undemocratic,” he said.
Osotsi further accused the rival faction of compiling a list of illegitimate delegates.
“They are compiling a list of fake delegates to attend their SNDC. ODM members should be aware that the SNDC convened by Linda Ground is illegal and should be avoided like a plague. Let them attend the People’s NDC. We control 35 out of the 47 counties and expect genuine delegates to attend our meeting, as opposed to theirs, which will have fake delegates,” he claimed.
Oburu faction prepares for SNDC
On Wednesday, ODM Party Leader Dr. Oburu Oginga chaired a Central Committee meeting to review preparations for the SNDC.
“Today, I presided over the ODM leadership meeting at our party offices to evaluate our readiness for the upcoming Special National Delegates Conference (SNDC). Our deliberations focused on a rigorous assessment of logistical and strategic frameworks.
I was joined by National Chair H.E. Gladys Wanga, National Treasurer Hon. Timothy Bosire, Director of Elections Hon. Junet Mohamed, Senate Minority Leader Hon. Stewart Madzayo, and others. We continue to prioritize the party’s stability and unity,”he said.
Legal battle looms
The rivalry between the two factions appears headed for a legal showdown, with the Orengo-Sifuna camp already laying the groundwork for court battles.
Recently, the Linda Ground faction, through Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, issued a notice for the SNDC, a move likely to trigger legal challenges.
The notice includes the ratification of National Governing Council resolutions on party leadership, a move similar to the parliamentary group decision that endorsed the removal of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
However, critics argue that the notice fails to recognize that the party is required to elect new leaders every five years in line with its constitution.
According to the ODM constitution, the National Delegates Conference is mandated to elect national officials who serve a five-year term.
Dispute over party leadership
The party constitution states that a party leader remains in office until the next election of national officials. However, in the event of death, resignation, or incapacity, a Special NDC must be convened to elect a new leader.
Saboti MP Caleb Hamisi questioned the legality of Dr. Oburu’s leadership.
“For Oburu to be validly elected party leader, a Special NDC should have been called after the death of Raila Odinga to give him the mandate. That was never done. So why is he in office? You cannot occupy an office first and then go for an election,” he said.
Secretary General dispute
The ODM constitution also outlines the role of the Secretary General, who is the party’s official spokesperson and custodian of records.
It further states that notice for an NDC must be issued by the Secretary General or an authorized official appointed by the National Executive Committee.
Orengo insisted that only the Secretary General can legally issue such a notice.
“The notice must be given by the Secretary General. That is mandatory. The NDC notice we have seen was issued by the Deputy Secretary General,” he said.
However, Omanyo defended her actions, saying the party could not stall due to one individual.
“We cannot stop to wait for one person. The party is made up of millions of members, and we cannot hold progress because one person is unavailable,” she said.
