ODM rebels, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, have vowed to boycott the party’s National Delegates Convention (NDC) scheduled for March 27.
They claim the meeting is illegally sanctioned and refuse to participate in what they call an unauthorized process.
The notice for the NDC was issued by Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, outlining delegates, agenda, and procedures.
Orengo’s faction challenged her authority, citing confusion over whether she is acting Secretary General or still the deputy after Edwin Sifuna’s ouster.
Orengo emphasized that only the substantive Secretary General can issue formal notices to party members.
He argued that Omanyo’s communication lacks legitimacy and questioned the legality of the convention under her hand, describing it as irregular and contradictory.
Saboti MP Caleb Amisi joined the criticism, stating that Oburu Oginga holds office unlawfully. He insisted that a special NDC should have convened after Raila Odinga’s death to install a legitimate interim leader before any other party elections.
Amisi explained that the first special NDC was supposed to appoint an interim leader but was never held. This, he argued, renders Oburu’s current occupancy of the position questionable, making the upcoming NDC procedurally flawed and premature.
According to the notice, delegates expected at the convention include NEC members, governors, parliamentary groups, branch chairpersons, and leaders from ODM’s youth, women, and disability leagues, alongside nominated representatives from counties and party branches.
The agenda highlights discussions on key leadership matters, including ratifying a resolution from the National Governing Council and reviewing another from the National Executive Committee related to Article 87 of the ODM constitution.
The programme also includes formal proceedings such as prayers, adoption of the agenda, speeches from party leaders, and an address by the party leader.
Notably, the election of party officials is absent from the agenda, raising questions about the convention’s scope.
Orengo and his allies maintain their boycott stance, emphasizing the convention’s illegitimacy and procedural flaws.
Their refusal reflects deeper divisions within ODM as the party grapples with leadership uncertainty following Sifuna’s ouster and the late Raila Odinga’s passing.
