High-stakes ODM NEC meeting set as party divisions widen

The fate of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna is expected to feature prominently when the party’s key organ meets tomorrow, February 11.

Sifuna, who is the Nairobi Senator, alongside his Vihiga counterpart Godfrey Osotsi, one of the three deputy party leaders, reportedly leads a group that has raised concerns over ODM’s planned engagement with President William Ruto.

The party’s internal deliberations are set to dominate the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting scheduled for tomorrow at Pride Inn Beach Resort in Shanzu, Mombasa County.

According to an invite sent from Orange House, the NEC meeting, which will start at 9:30 am and run until lunch, is expected to discuss “ODM’s fate in the Azimio La Umoja Coalition, progress report on the 10-point agenda, emerging issues on the future of the party, preparation for National Delegates Convention (NDC), and any other business.”

Aside from addressing the concerns raised by Sifuna and his group, the NEC is set to discuss and confirm the date of the NDC, which will ratify recent appointments, including that of the party leader, and review the planned pre-election coalition with UDA.

“NEC meeting will be used to ratify the resolutions of the Central Management Committee meeting that took place in Kilifi last month,” Minority Leader and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed said.

The meeting is also expected to set the date and agenda of the NDC, the supreme organ of the party that meets at least once every five years.

According to the ODM constitution, the NDC must convene before the end of this year.

“The NEC will set the date for the next NDC meeting,” Junet said, adding that ODM’s position in Azimio will also be discussed following leadership changes in the coalition, including the appointment of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka as coalition head.

The NEC could, through a majority decision, opt to review the party’s participation in Azimio or respond to the leadership changes after assessing their implications.

According to Junet, after the NEC meeting, party officials will remain in the Coast region for the Linda Ground rallies scheduled from Thursday to Sunday in Lamu, Tana River, Kilifi, and Kwale Counties.

Oburu Oginga is also expected to meet Mombasa delegates tomorrow afternoon after the NEC session.

It remains unclear if Sifuna will attend the meeting, having reportedly missed the CMC meeting in Kilifi.

The party has experienced internal differences, dividing members into two main camps, with party leader Dr Oburu Oginga heading the Linda Ground faction, while Sifuna is reportedly leading the Linda Wananchi faction.

On Sunday, National Treasury CS John Mbadi called for the party to address internal disagreements, saying that Sifuna is conflicted and questioning his continued role within the party.

Sifuna’s team includes Osotsi, Kisumu Woman Rep Ruth Odinga, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo.

Sifuna and Ruth Odinga have raised questions on the source of resources for the ODM Linda Ground events, while Osotsi claimed the State House has captured the Orange outfit.

The group opposed to entering a deal with Ruto challenged party leadership to act if they wished.

“We will stand up to you. Even if, today, you decide to expel us, we are ready to go back to the people through a by-election. The party that Baba handed over to us must move forward,” MP Owino said on Sunday in Busia.

Governor Orengo added, “Nobody will force us to enter into a government we do not agree with. ODM must form the next government and must have a presidential candidate. Nobody can dare attack the ODM party. Everything that the party will do will come from the people themselves. This party will not be swallowed by any other.”