Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) long-awaited National Delegates Convention (NDC) is underway as police interrupt a rival meeting led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

The gathering comes at a critical moment as the party faces mounting internal divisions, with rival factions seeking to assert influence over leadership decisions and candidate nominations.

ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga has defended the legitimacy of the party’s upcoming National Delegates Convention (NDC). ODM Party leader Oburu Odinga is expected to lead the convention that is currently underway at the Jamhuri Park in Nairobi.

Wanga said the Friday, 27, 2026, meeting at Jamhuri Park is the only official NDC recognised under the party’s constitution, dismissing any parallel gatherings as illegitimate.

“There is only one NDC called in accordance with section 49 of our constitution, a special delegates conference, a 21-day notice given, and delegates invited,” Wanga stated.

“It will be at Jamhuri Park; anything else would be maybe a kamukunji, a baraza, a political rally, or a birthday party, but there is only one NDC of the ODM party that will be taking place this Friday. The NDC is not something I wake up and say, ‘This is an NDC.’ It is called in line with the constitution of the party. Anybody else trying to spread confusion, it is only that, confusion,” Wanga added.

The convention could be a litmus test for the balance of power within ODM. The party has in recent months seen clashes between different wings, particularly over candidate endorsements and strategic alliances ahead of upcoming elections.

The NDC is expected to include debates on party policies, leadership positions, and the roadmap for the 2027 general elections. Delegates will also vote on key resolutions, which could either solidify or further fragment the party depending on the outcome.

Political commentators are watching closely, noting that while ODM has a rich history of grassroots mobilisation, its internal coherence will be crucial in maintaining its influence on Kenya’s political landscape. The party’s ability to navigate factional disputes during the convention may set the tone for its performance in the coming electoral cycles.

Heavy police presence at Ufungamano House

Linda Mwananchi’s faction of the ODM, on the other hand, is holding a parallel meeting to the Orange Democratic Movement National Delegates Convention (NDC) at Ufungamano House.

Taking to his official X account on Thursday, March 26, 2026, Sifuna announced the location and time set for the Linda Mwananchi Tour dubbed the people’s NDC.

Heavy police presence has sealed off Ufungamano House, blocking access to a planned meeting by the Linda Mwananchi faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).