Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna has dismissed the ongoing ODM National Delegates Convention at Jamhuri Park as illegitimate, describing it as a betrayal of the party’s core values.

Speaking at Ufungamano House on Friday, March 27, 2026, Sifuna condemned the faction led by Linda Mwananchi, saying it could never be associated with the genuine ODM.

He accused the group of collaborating with the current administration under President William Ruto, calling it an oppressive government that seeks to weaken and fracture the party.

“Huu ni mkutano ambao tumeandaa kuweka wazi kuwa chama chetu cha ODM kiko katika hatari kubwa. Tunasema wazi kuwa watu wenye nia ovu wamepenya ndani ya chama hicho. Sisi tumeamua kwamba tutashikilia maadili ambayo Raila Odinga alitufunza na kutuachia,” Sifuna stated.

Sifuna criticises police presence

Sifuna also criticised the heavy police presence at Ufungamano House, which he said was intended to intimidate participants of the meeting.

He emphasised that the gathering was lawful and peaceful, aiming to raise alarm over attempts to hijack the ODM party and install leaders without proper grassroots consultation.

The secretary-general specifically condemned the installation of Oburu Odinga as the party leader, insisting that ODM leadership must be determined through free and fair elections.

“The party belongs to its members, not to individuals seeking to consolidate power for personal or political gain. We demand a grassroots election that reflects the will of the people,” Sifuna added.

Sifuna questioned why the current leadership is reluctant to hold transparent elections, arguing that this undermines the party’s democratic foundations. He warned that allowing the current course to continue would put ODM at risk of being dismantled from within, urging members to stay united and protect the party’s integrity.

The escalating tensions between the factions signal a showdown that could reshape the ODM ahead of the 2027 general elections, with party loyalists calling for adherence to democratic processes and respect for the grassroots membership.