Gladys Wanga Criticises Sifuna as ODM NDC Dispute Deepens
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party chairperson Gladys Wanga has strongly opposed plans by a section of party members to organise a separate National Delegates Conference (NDC), describing the move as misleading and unnecessary.
Speaking during a press briefing held at Chungwa House on Thursday, March 19, Wanga dismissed the idea of a parallel meeting, warning that it could confuse party supporters and disrupt unity within ODM.
Wanga specifically took issue with the Linda Mwananchi faction, which has indicated it may hold its own NDC on March 27. According to her, such a move has no legal backing within the party structures and appears to be a calculated attempt to create divisions.
She insisted that only the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has the constitutional authority to call for an NDC, and any other group claiming to organise one must clearly explain under what mandate they are acting.
At the same time, Wanga challenged the faction associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to come forward and clarify which NEC meeting approved their proposed conference.
She noted that throughout the previous year, there had been discussions about holding an NDC, and eventually, the NEC formally agreed to convene one.
Because of this, she argued, it would be impossible for another legitimate NDC to exist outside that official process.
“There was a call the whole of last year to hold an NDC, and the NEC sat and agreed to call one. Therefore, for anyone to claim they are organising an NDC, they must tell us which NEC met and made that decision,” Wanga said.
She went on to describe the parallel plans as a “sideshow” aimed at misleading party members and shifting attention away from the official process.
The Homa Bay County governor further explained that the legitimate NDC had been organised in full compliance with the ODM constitution.
She highlighted that all the required procedures had been followed, including issuing the mandatory 21-day notice and clearly outlining who qualifies as a delegate. This, she said, ensures transparency and fairness in the party’s decision-making process.
Her remarks came shortly after the Linda Mwananchi faction threatened to proceed with their own meeting, despite the official NDC being scheduled for March 27 at Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi.
The situation has added to growing tensions within the party as different groups appear to be taking opposing positions.
Meanwhile, Senator Sifuna had earlier indicated that he would not attend the official NDC, claiming that he had not received an invitation. In response, Wanga clarified that attendance at an NDC is not based on personal invitations.
Instead, it is determined by one’s position within the party structure. She explained that leaders like Sifuna automatically qualify as delegates because they are members of the party’s parliamentary group.
“NDC is not for people to be invited. It is for a notice to be issued by the party, and those to attend are clearly outlined in the constitution,” Wanga explained, emphasising that the process is guided strictly by party rules rather than individual preferences.
Addressing claims by the Linda Mwananchi faction that they had assembled delegates from 35 counties, Wanga dismissed the assertion, pointing out that ODM is a national party with representation in all 47 counties.
She stressed that legitimate delegates are already well-defined within the party framework and cannot be arbitrarily selected by splinter groups.
The ongoing dispute highlights deepening internal disagreements within ODM at a critical time. With the official NDC expected to play a key role in shaping the party’s leadership and strategy ahead of the 2027 general election, the current wrangles could have significant political implications.
Observers note that how the party handles these internal conflicts may determine its strength and unity in the coming years.
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