The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced plans to convene its National Delegates Convention (NDC) on March 27, 2026, as the party gears up for the forthcoming general elections.
During a meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) in Mombasa on Wednesday, it was resolved that the NDC will serve as a platform to deliberate on the party’s strategic direction.
Busia Woman representative Catherine Omanyo, who read the official statement after the meeting, stated that they will use the forum to ratify key decisions of the party organs and consolidate preparations for the upcoming polls.
“The National Delegates Convention will provide an opportunity for our members to reflect on our achievements, discuss strategic priorities, and ensure that ODM is fully prepared to contest the next general elections effectively,” she said.
The convention is expected to attract delegates from across the country, representing various party organs and grassroots structures.
The meeting, Omanyo said, will be held in Nairobi, with the exact venue yet to be revealed.
NDC will be critical in shaping ODM’s 2027 plans, policy agenda, and campaign strategies, considering the ongoing negotiations with President William Ruto’s UDA party.
ODM’s March 27 convention is seen as a key step in reaffirming its influence and readiness to compete robustly in the electoral race.
During the meeting, ODM also resolvedto kick out Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as the party's Secretary General.
The party said Sifuna has been relieved of his responsibilities as SG with immediate effect, with Omanyo effectively replacing him in an acting capacity.
"Having deliberated on matters relating to the conduct of the Secretary General, Senator Edwin Sifuna, the NEC resolved to remove him from office with immediate effect, in accordance with party constitution and applicable laws, effective immediately," the statement read.
The NEC expressed grave concern over the rising levels of indiscipline within the party, particularly at the senior leadership level.
The officials further announced that it has formally initiated the process of withdrawing from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition, citing repeated violations by some coalition partners.
The party expressed concern over what it described as sustained breaches of the coalition agreement.
“Certain erstwhile coalition partners have acted in violation of the deed of agreement that established Azimio la Umoja,” said Omanyo.
“In light of these continued breaches, and to safeguard the unity and strategic direction of ODM, the NEC has resolved to initiate the formal process of withdrawal in line with constitutional provisions.”
The NEC’s decision comes amid growing tensions within Azimio.
On February 5, the Coalition unveiled a major reorganisation of its top leadership.
Under the chairmanship of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, a joint session of the Azimio Council and the National Executive Committee was held on Monday, February 2, 2026, during which key leadership appointments were unanimously approved.
In the changes, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka was appointed Party Leader of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party, cementing his role as a central figure in steering the coalition’s political direction.
Suba MP Caroli Omondi was named Secretary General, while former Nairobi Town Clerk Philip Kisia was appointed Executive Director.
ODM, however, disputed the changes and wrote to the Registrar of Political Parties.
The party described the moves, including the appointment of the Secretary General, as illegal and outside the coalition’s established legal framework.
In a letter addressed to Registrar of Political Parties John Cox Lorionokou, ODM expressed its objection to the resolutions passed during a council meeting held on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Signed by ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen, the letter argues that the meeting and its decisions were ultra vires, meaning they were beyond the legal authority of those who convened it.
“Our attention has been drawn to a meeting of the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Council held on Monday, 2nd February 2026, which purported to effect changes to the leadership of the Coalition, including the position of Secretary General,” reads the letter.
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