ODM Faction Calls for NDC Following Meeting of Babu Owino, Ruth Odinga and Sifuna
Fresh divisions have emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after a faction of senior party leaders called for an urgent National Delegates Conference (NDC), barely four months after Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga assumed the party’s leadership following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has publicly declared his intention to take over the ODM leadership, arguing that the process that installed the current leadership was flawed and failed to follow the party’s constitution. Speaking to NTV on Thursday, January 8, Owino said an NDC was the only legitimate forum through which the party could reorganise itself and resolve growing internal tensions.
“What we are asking is that an NDC meeting be called with immediate effect in ODM. There was no procedure whatsoever in getting the new leadership of ODM in place,” Owino said.
The outspoken lawmaker maintained that the conference should be convened as soon as possible to allow party delegates to elect new leaders, insisting that he is the rightful successor to Raila Odinga. He argued that the current leadership lacks the mandate and capacity to steer the party forward at a critical political moment.
“We want to take the leadership of the party as soon as possible. We want to revamp the party because, as Babu Owino, I have always said that after Baba, it is Babu,” he added.
Owino expressed optimism that an NDC would also help defuse internal tensions that have simmered within ODM since October, particularly over the party’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration. He is part of a faction that strongly opposes the so-called broad-based arrangement between ODM and the government, a partnership championed by Oburu Odinga and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.
The call for an NDC was echoed by several influential party figures who held a consultative meeting on Thursday, including ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga. The leaders are seen as pushing for internal reforms and a clearer political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Babu Owino further stated that once new leadership is in place, ODM should field a presidential candidate to challenge President Ruto, dismissing claims that the party lacks the capacity to mount a serious contest.
“If those people think that ODM cannot produce a presidential candidate, they are short-sighted; they are dealers and not leaders. We want to help Kenyans because they are suffering,” he said.
However, leaders aligned to Oburu Odinga have dismissed the push for immediate leadership change, insisting that the senator is best placed to protect the party’s unity and legacy. Speaking during a public event on December 28, Junet Mohamed criticised party members who have openly positioned themselves for the presidency.
“The party constitution does not allow anyone to declare themselves a presidential candidate except the party leader,” Junet said, adding that ODM members were awaiting Oburu’s decision on whether he would contest the presidency in 2027.
In response to mounting criticism, Oburu Odinga reaffirmed his authority, saying he would not allow internal wrangles to undermine the party’s stability or the legacy built by his late brother.
“I’m not afraid to say that I will not allow myself to be shaken. I’m going to sit on the party leader seat of ODM squarely,” Oburu said.
He further defended ODM’s cooperation with President Ruto’s administration, stating that the arrangement reflects the wishes of the late Raila Odinga and is aimed at safeguarding national stability.
As calls for an NDC grow louder, ODM now faces a defining moment that could shape its leadership, unity, and electoral strategy ahead of the 2027 polls.
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ODM Faction Calls for NDC Following Meeting of Babu Owino, Ruth Odinga and Sifuna
