Cracks within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) widened on Friday after a section of leaders openly rejected the party’s newly confirmed leader, Oburu Oginga, during a parallel delegates’ meeting in Nairobi.
Speaking at the Linda Mwananchi National Delegates Conference (NDC) held on Friday at Ufungamano House, Embakasi East Mp Babu Owino pointed to what he described as irregular processes surrounding the party's transition following Raila Odinga's death.
Owino argued that the manner in which Oburu was presented as party leader shortly after Raila's death raised questions among members, saying the situation left many feeling compelled to align with a decision they had not freely made.
He maintained that the approach taken did not reflect the core principles that have guided ODM over the years, insisting that internal democracy should not be compromised during moments of transition.
According to the MP, ODM members ought to have been given space to deliberate rather than being directed toward a predetermined outcome.
“Is that the true spirit of ODM? Is that the true spirit of our leader, Raila?” Owino posed. “Is that the spirit of the youth who fought to bring down oppression and raise the burden of freedom? Is that the true spirit of Gen Z?”
He further stated that the faction would continue to show respect to Oburu in a personal capacity while rejecting his position as party leader. “We will respect Oburu as our elder but not our leader.”
The Ufungamano House gathering was held at the same time as another ODM Special Delegates Convention (SDC) at Jamhuri Grounds, where a separate group aligned to Oburu met to deliberate on party matters and leadership direction.
Owino tied the party’s internal squabbles to wider national concerns, saying the movement should remain focused on addressing everyday challenges facing citizens rather than internal disagreements.
“We will continue to fight for Kenyans,” he said. “A teacher graduates and stays for years without employment. Some will retire before getting jobs. Doctors’ salaries are delayed, and students graduate without opportunities.”
Casting doubt on the legality of the Jamhuri meeting, Owino argued that proper party structures were not followed in convening the delegates.
“The NDC at Jamhuri is illegal,” he said. “It is the Secretary General who is supposed to call for such a meeting, and that process was not followed.”
His position was echoed by Senator Edwin Sifuna and other Linda Mwananchi leaders, who defended the Ufungamano forum, saying it reflected the position and interests of a section of ODM members who felt excluded from the Jamhuri process.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, questioned how Oburu assumed the top seat, arguing that party members were not given a chance to vote.
“We agreed as a party to conduct elections from the grassroots to the national level. Suddenly, we are told there is a leader, yet none of us voted,” Sifuna said.
He suggested that the leadership transition did not follow the democratic process the party had committed to, hinting at decisions being made without broader member involvement.
Both sides maintained that their gatherings were legitimate, highlighting the growing divide within the party over leadership and direction.
