Linda Mwananchi Faction Led by Sifuna and Babu Owino to Stage Parallel ‘People’s NDC’ in Nairobi
The deepening rift within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has escalated with the Linda Mwananchi faction, fronted by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino alongside Siaya Governor James Orengo, announcing plans to hold a parallel “People’s National Delegates Convention” (People’s NDC) in Nairobi on Friday, March 27, 2026.
The group has described the gathering as a people-centred event rooted in ODM’s original founding principles, positioning it in direct contrast to the official Special National Delegates Conference being organised by the party leadership under Dr Oburu Oginga. Faction leaders argue that the mainstream NDC is illegal and question the legitimacy of the delegate list, framing their parallel meeting as a genuine platform to address grassroots concerns and chart a path focused on economic justice rather than broad-based government arrangements.
This latest move comes amid ongoing leadership tensions that intensified after Sifuna’s removal as ODM Secretary-General earlier in the year, with the faction maintaining that it represents the true opposition voice within the party. Supporters of Linda Mwananchi have been mobilising across counties, emphasising a return to the party’s core ideals of defending the ordinary mwananchi against perceived elite compromises. The parallel convention is expected to attract delegates loyal to the Sifuna-Owino-Orengo axis, potentially producing resolutions that challenge the direction taken by the Oburu-led wing and further widen the visible split ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The official ODM camp, led by chairperson Gladys Wanga, has downplayed the parallel event, insisting there can only be one legitimate NDC as per the party constitution and extending an olive branch by confirming that Sifuna and Babu Owino remain eligible to attend as delegates due to their positions. Some hardliners, however, have hinted at possible disciplinary actions or even formal separation during the official gathering. As both sides prepare for Friday’s duelling events, political observers warn that the standoff risks fragmenting ODM’s structures and influence, testing the party’s ability to manage internal democracy while maintaining unity in Kenya’s competitive political arena. The outcome could significantly reshape alignments and power dynamics within the former ruling coalition.
