NAIROBI, Kenya — The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced a Special Delegates Convention scheduled for March 27 in Nairobi as internal tensions continue over recent leadership changes within the party.
In a notice issued Friday, ODM Deputy Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo said the meeting will bring together key party organs and representatives from across the country, citing provisions of the party constitution as the legal basis for convening the gathering.
Delegates expected to attend include members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), the Parliamentary Group, the Council of Governors and Deputy Governors, leaders of the youth, women, and disability leagues, as well as specially nominated county representatives.
The convention comes at a time of heightened internal debate following the controversial attempt to remove Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna from his position as ODM Secretary-General.
Leadership dispute
Last month, the party’s NEC resolved to remove Sifuna from the powerful administrative role during a meeting held in Mombasa.
According to the committee, the decision was part of broader efforts to enforce party discipline and reorganise leadership structures as ODM positions itself for future political contests and potential alliances.
However, the move immediately sparked sharp criticism from sections of the party who argued that the decision was rushed and failed to follow established internal procedures.
Tribunal intervention
The dispute soon escalated to the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT), which issued an order barring the party from implementing the decision.
The tribunal also restrained the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties from publishing the NEC resolution in the Kenya Gazette, effectively halting Sifuna’s removal pending a full hearing of the case.
The orders were later extended to March 12, giving Sifuna a temporary reprieve as the legal battle over his position continues.
Party factions emerge
The controversy has exposed divisions within ODM’s leadership.
One faction aligned with veteran party leader Oburu Odinga maintains that the NEC acted within its mandate, arguing that leadership adjustments are necessary as the party prepares for upcoming elections and negotiations with other political formations.
Supporters of the move say organisational renewal and internal discipline are essential to strengthening the party’s political strategy.
However, allies of Sifuna insist that removing a sitting Secretary-General in absentia without the involvement of a broader party forum, such as the National Delegates Convention, sets a troubling precedent for internal democracy.
The dispute unfolds as ODM — one of Kenya’s largest opposition parties — navigates shifting political alliances ahead of the 2027 General Election.
