ODM's March 27 Nairobi gathering to ratify leadership changes amid factional strife
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) will host a major event in Nairobi on March 27. The main event follows weeks of leadership disputes, including the removal of Edwin Sifuna as Secretary-General in February. Acting Secretary-General Catherine Omanyo announced the gathering in a letter dated March 5.
The event aims to ratify decisions made by the party's National Governing Council (NEC) last month. These include the NEC's resolution on leadership changes and other key party matters. Delegates from 16 categories—such as the National Executive Committee, the Parliamentary Group, and the Council of Governors—will attend.
The 'Linda Mwananchi' faction, led by Sifuna and allies like James Orengo and Babu Owino, has grown more active since his removal. Hours after his ouster on February 11, the group announced a rally in Kitengela, Kajiado County, as part of their 'Linda Mwananchi Tour.' Another event had already taken place in Busia County. The faction frames itself as a grassroots movement defending Raila Odinga's legacy and opposing the NEC's decision, while Sifuna challenges his removal at the Political Parties Dispute Tribunal.
On Tuesday, ODM held a high-stakes Parliamentary Group meeting in Nairobi. Lawmakers loyal to the 'Linda Mwananchi' faction attended, highlighting the party's internal divisions. Catherine Omanyo took over as acting Secretary-General immediately after Sifuna's removal, setting the stage for the upcoming main event.
The March 27 event will bring together party officials, youth league representatives, women's league members, and delegates for persons with disabilities. The outcomes will shape ODM's leadership structure moving forward. The event follows weeks of public rallies and legal challenges from the 'Linda Mwananchi' faction.
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