ODM MP Caroli Omondi claims Oburu camp has already rigged party NDC
By Mustafa Juma, January 26, 2026Suba South Member of Parliament (MP) Caroli Omondi has claimed that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is facing a serious internal crisis, claiming that a faction led by Oburu Odinga has already predetermined the outcome of the party’s upcoming National Delegates Convention (NDC).
Speaking on Monday, January 26, 2026, during an interview with one of the local TV stations, Omondi said two distinct factions have clearly emerged within ODM, with one camp having already decided on the party’s leadership and political direction even before elections are conducted.
“What is happening in ODM? There are clearly two distinct groups that have emerged. You can clearly see there is one group that has already made up its mind; they will take the party leadership, and they have already given you their lineup. Elections have been called, but they have already given the results of those elections,” Omondi said.
10-point agenda
The MP further claimed that the same faction has resolved to work closely with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), despite internal party processes not being concluded.
He questioned the legitimacy of the decision, noting that a previously agreed 10-point agenda governing engagement with UDA was yet to be reviewed as required.
“They have even made up their minds that they will work with UDA. They have already made up their minds that anybody who opposes them will be fought and crushed. There was a 10-point agenda which was to be reviewed by March this year, and if given satisfactory remarks, further engagement with UDA was to follow. The review has not been done, yet a decision to engage further with UIDA has been made,” he said.
Compromised ODM NDC
He also cautioned ODM rebels led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi against placing faith in the planned NDC, claiming the process is already compromised.
According to Omondi, the ODM Linda Ground engagement that is being conducted by the Oburu-led faction is a process aimed at compromising the delegates across all the counties, and when the NDC is finally called, they will vote as directed.
“Let me advise my friends Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo, Babu Owino, and Osotsi that the NDC they are calling for is already rigged. That is why these other guys are going round in very big tents, selecting the delegates,” Omondi remarked.
The rebel faction of the ODM party has been demanding an NDC to effect the changes in the party’s leadership.
Babu Owinohas presented himself as one of the leaders who can take over the ODM party leadership from Oburu.
Junet dismisses Babu Owino’s ambition
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, who is allied to the Oburu faction, recently dismissed speculation that Babu Owino could take over as leader of the ODM through the party’s NDC.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on the night of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Junet acknowledged Babu Owino’s political ambitions, noting that while he may have a chance of becoming the Nairobi County governor, the ODM structures do not favour him in internal party elections.
“Babu Owino has a chance of becoming a governor, but he has no chance of winning the NDC. I understand the party’s structures, and they do not favour him,” Junet said.