Fears of acrimony and subsequent defections are at the heart of the ODM party’s decision to postpone its highly anticipated national delegates convention (NDC), which was scheduled for October.
The Raila Odinga -led party has been conducting grassroots elections, set to culminate in the NDC, where delegates will elect new national officials ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, a recent public clash between top party officials over ODM’s deal with President William Ruto’s UDA has made the party vulnerable to radical changes in leadership.
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna is among the top officials who have criticised the broad-based government.
His stinging criticism has put him on a collision course with other officials who have openly called for his resignation.
President William Ruto (left), ODM leader Raila Odinga (centre) and Kisii Governor Simba Arati arrive for a Gusii political leadership meeting at State House, Nairobi.
Photo credit: PCS
Officials who spoke to the Nation said the decision to postpone the convention was made to allow members to celebrate the party’s 20th anniversary in peace. They confirmed that the NDC will still take place, but on a later date after the ODM@20 celebrations, which are scheduled for next month.
The party has announced a three-day jamboree to celebrate and reflect on its 20 years of existence, while also escalating branding and grassroots mobilisation in preparation for the elections.
Other officials said that holding the NDC so soon could have led to other officials pushing for Mr Sifuna’s removal, which they say could have triggered defections and consequently weakened the party with only two years to go until the next elections.
Ms Gladys Wanga, the ODM National Chairperson and Homa Bay governor, said that the party has decided to postpone the planned NDC until the first quarter of next year.
Homa Bay County Governor Gladys Wanga at a national event on March 7, 2025, at KICC in Nairobi. Her journey from political novice to Nyanza's first female governor began with a pilgrimage to Phoebe Asiyo's home in Wikondiek Village.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
This decision was confirmed by ODM co-deputy party leaders Abdulswamad Nassir (Mombasa governor) and Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga senator).
At a central management committee meeting chaired by Mr Odinga, the election of national officials was listed as part of the NDC agenda.
“The NDC will, among other matters, consider reports from party organs, review and adopt party policy positions, elect national officials and chart the path forward in readiness for the 2027 General Election,” a statement by Mr Sifuna stated at the time.
Orange Democratic Movement Party's Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna in Saboti Constituency, Trans Nzoia County on August 3, 2025.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
Mr Nassir downplayed speculations that the NDC was set to kick out some national officials from the outfit as part of its reorganisation.
He told the Nation that the NDC was only supposed to ratify leadership changes that have already been made by the central management committee.
His appointment as one of the party’s deputy party leader alongside Kisii Governor Simba Arati and Mr Osotsi, as well as the appointment of Ms Wanga as the party chairperson, he said, are some of the changes that were to be ratified.
The positions fell vacant following the appointment to the Cabinet of Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, who served as deputy party leaders and John Mbadi, who served as party chairperson.
He added that the party has dedicated the month of October to reflecting on its major achievements and to rejuvenate its grassroots networks in preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Mr Osotsi confirmed the plan for NDC to pick new officials, but denied reports that possible falling out could have been the reason for the postponement.
Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds chairperson Godfrey Osotsi.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
“We did not want to mix celebrations with internal party issues like elections because we expect even former members to join us for the celebrations,” he said. “We would have lost the theme of the event if we tied it with the NDC.
"We want our members to celebrate our achievements and reflect on how to make the party more vibrant. That was the only reason for the postponement.”
Top officials held a closed-door meeting in Nairobi on Wednesday to prepare for the jamboree, with another meeting scheduled for tomorrow, after which the party is set to make major announcements in the build-up to the event.
“As the party that has stood at the forefront of defending constitutionalism and people’s rights, we take pride in inviting our members, supporters and all Kenyans to our 20th anniversary celebrations,” the party said in a statement on Wednesday.
“The celebrations will run from October 10th to 12th, 2025 in the historic city of Mombasa.”
Political observers note that while ODM’s history of reinvention is well-known, its biggest challenge remains cohesion and credible internal leadership.
In addition, build-up events will be staged across the country, with major ones in Migori and Wajir counties, as part of its commitment to inclusivity and grassroots participation.
