Kisumu Woman Representative and ODM Deputy Organising Secretary Ruth Odinga has urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to adhere strictly to its constitution amid growing calls for an immediate National Delegates Conference (NDC) to address leadership and strategic disputes.

In a Facebook post dated January 26, 2026, Ruth Odinga highlighted the party’s principle of member supremacy, saying: “One of the core values of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is the supremacy of Party members. I may not know the values of other political parties in Kenya, but this explains why this is a party of the people for the people.”

She stressed her commitment to constitutional processes, adding, “As the Deputy Organising Secretary, I believe in the power of a structured and constitutionally sound Party. Our journey forward must be guided by the very rules we set for ourselves.”

CMC meeting seen as first step

Her statement comes as ODM navigates post-Raila Odinga dynamics while preparing for the 2027 elections and ongoing discussions on cooperation with UDA.

Ruth Odinga addressed the calls for the NDC, cautioning against misinformation about its urgency. “There have been calls for the National Delegates Conference, as though all the party organs have engaged, and I think it is important that we appreciate the noble roles of each of them and why they all matter. And to dispel the misinformation that NDC should be the next thing. No.”

She pointed to the recent Central Management Committee (CMC) meeting in Vipingo, Kilifi County, describing it as a critical first step. “This meeting was a vital first step, but the ODM Constitution is clear on how we must proceed to ensure every member’s voice is heard and every decision is legitimate.”

The CMC, she explained, formulates policy for higher organs, including discussions on 2027 election preparations and cooperation with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

“One significant issue discussed was the need to plan for the 2027 General Election, where the committee endorsed talks with UDA. According to the resolution shared with the press, the committee defended cooperation with Kenya Kwanza and emphasised party unity amid internal tensions. So naturally, the next step would be at the NEC level.”

Sequential process to NDC

Ruth Odinga called on National Chairperson Gladys Wanga to convene the National Executive Committee (NEC).

“It is now incumbent upon our National Chairperson, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, to exercise her mandate under Article 6.3.3(vii) and convene the National Executive Committee (NEC). The NEC is the executive organ responsible for carrying out the decisions of the higher bodies and supervising the Party’s daily operations.”

She outlined the process leading to the NDC: “This meeting is the gateway to our broader democratic process. The NEC meeting will pave the way for the National Governing Council (NGC), our second-highest organ. The NGC acts as the broader executive body that ensures all recommendations are properly monitored and directed across the country.”

Ultimately, this structured path leads us to the National Delegates Conference (NDC). As defined in Article 7.2.1, the NDC is the Supreme Organ of the Party with the final power to determine Party policy. It is at the NDC where we review our manifesto, ratify our laws, and nominate our presidential candidate for the Republic of Kenya.”

Ruth Odinga urged members to follow formal processes amid factional tensions, saying, “We must move away from informal wrangles and return to the formal, structured engagement of our party organs. This is the surest way to build a resilient, united, and focused ODM. Let us follow the Constitution to the letter – from the NEC to the NGC, and finally to the NDC, to secure our future.”