Orange Democratic Movement Splinters As Dual Conventions Mark Post-Odinga Era Amidst Leadership Row And Police Standoffs

The Orange Democratic Movement faces a leadership crisis as Edwin Sifuna and Oburu Oginga hold rival conventions. Read about the police standoff and party rift.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 27, 2026, 8:40 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from TUKO.co.ke

A Surprising Return To The Fold At Jamhuri Grounds

In an unexpected development at the official Special Delegates Conference, former Secretary General Ababu Namwamba reappeared at an ODM podium for the first time in years. Addressing delegates at Jamhuri Grounds, Namwamba emphasized that his presence was at the invitation of the current leadership as they navigate the transition following the passing of Raila Odinga. He urged the party to remain anchored in the social democratic reforms that defined its inception twenty years ago. According to Namwamba, the party must now focus on consolidating its current proximity to the national government rather than retreating into a traditional opposition stance, a move he described as essential for the party’s long term survival and political relevance.

Formalizing New Leadership Under Oburu Oginga

The convention at Jamhuri Grounds served as a platform for the faction allied to Oburu Oginga to solidify their control over the party's internal machinery. High profile figures, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Deputy Party Leaders Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir and Simba Arati, presided over proceedings aimed at filling the void left by the founding leader. This assembly was specifically designed to formalize major structural changes, including the anticipated removal of Edwin Sifuna from his executive position. The leadership indicated that these transitions are necessary to stabilize the party and align its strategy with the "broad based" arrangement currently governing its interactions with the state.

High Tension And Police Standoff At Ufungamano House

While the official conference proceeded at Jamhuri Grounds, a defiant parallel meeting dubbed the "People’s ODM NDC" took place at Nairobi’s historic Ufungamano House. Led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the gathering was marked by a tense standoff as a heavy police presence attempted to breach the hall. Sifuna, standing his ground alongside supporters, urged the officers to maintain their distance and provide security from the exterior without disrupting the peaceful assembly. Despite the security cordon mounted earlier in the morning, hundreds of supporters managed to access the venue, signaling significant grassroots resistance to the decisions being made by the party's central committee.