ODM has convened a crucial National Delegates Convention
(NDC) that will define the party’s 2027 political direction and likely the
political future of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
ODM announced last month that it would hold its NDC in
October to, among others, elect national officials.
However, with Sifuna appearing to chart a different
political course, the upcoming meeting could be used to axe him from the
party’s apex.
“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
Elections,” the party said.
There has been mounting disquiet in ODM over Sifuna’s
increasingly combative stance — especially his opposition to the political deal
with President Ruto.
Sifuna, a vocal and visible face of ODM, has recently
clashed with senior figures, including members of Raila Odinga’s inner circle.
His criticism of the Ruto–Raila deal has won him admirers
among some supporters but angered loyalists who accuse him of sowing discord
and undermining top leadership.
In recent days, Raila and Ruto have signaled that a 2027
coalition is in the works.
President Ruto has announced a framework to compensate
victims of police brutality, hailed as a landmark human rights gesture.
But behind the public relations glow lies a calculated
political subtext — a move that could sweeten the ground for Raila.
Besides the payouts, Ruto and Raila have unveiled a team to
fast-track the ODM–UDA MoU and the NADCO report. Both teams are headed by
Raila’s allies.
Yet Sifuna has declared that he will resign as SG if ODM
backs Ruto’s re-election bid.
Sifuna has questioned the legitimacy of the MoU
underpinning the deal, raising concerns over its implementation and
transparency.
During a recent TV interview, Sifuna declared the pact
“dead,” citing ongoing police brutality and the June 8 death of blogger and
teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody.
“On the day Albert Ojwang dies in a police cell, for me,
this agreement is dead,” Sifuna said.
ODM’s Central Committee, in its July 15 meeting, agreed to
summon all delegates to, among other matters, elect national officials.
“The Central Committee set October 2025 as the month for
convening the National Delegates Convention (NDC),” the resolution said.
Ahead of the key meeting, speculation is rife that the NDC
could censure Sifuna following his political positioning, which is deemed
incompatible with the party’s stance.
Insiders say the convention could clip Sifuna’s wings or
even initiate a succession process for the powerful Secretary-General post.
Already, a number of ODM loyalists have fired warnings at
the Nairobi senator.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma last month demanded Sifuna’s
resignation or removal for allegedly fuelling confusion.
“He must resign or be thrown out of the ODM party. The
faster this happens, the better,” Kaluma said on X.
Weighing in on the fallout, Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi said
ODM is not short of options for spokesperson.
“If you threaten us that you can leave ODM, you are free to leave. Even Jared Okello (Nyando MP) is here; he can take up the responsibility. He has better English; he was schooled in England and has better English than these leaders purporting to be speaking for the party," Atandi said.
