Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has declared that there will be a single National Delegates’ Conference (NDC) for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
During a press briefing at the party headquarters on Thursday, March 19, 2026, Wanga rejected the Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi faction’s calls for a parallel NDC, asserting that the only legitimate conference will be spearheaded by ODM party leader Oburu Odinga. This event is scheduled to take place at Jamhuri Grounds on Friday, March 27, 2027, where various party officials will be elected to their respective positions.
Wanga emphasized that while individuals may hold barazas or roadside rallies, they must not do so under the banner of an ODM NDC. “There will be only one NDC of the ODM; that will happen on March 27 at Jamhuri Grounds. People are free to hold political rallies, but there shall only be one NDC of the ODM party,” she stated.
In a related development, Siaya Governor James Orengo, a key member of the Linda Mwananchi faction led by Sifuna, announced plans for a parallel NDC distinct from the Oburu faction’s efforts. They intend to name their event the “People’s National Delegates Convention,” emphasizing their commitment to standing with the people, which they believe is the essence of ODM. This contrasts with the Oburu-Wanga faction’s event, referred to as “The Special National Delegates Conference.”
The Linda Mwananchi team has also criticized the legitimacy of the Oburu-led NDC, arguing that only the party secretary general, Sifuna, can call for an official NDC. As he belongs to their faction and has not convened a meeting, they consider any actions taken on that day illegal and subject to legal challenge.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, also part of the Linda Mwananchi faction, expressed concerns regarding the upcoming NDC and Winnie Odinga’s proposal to be elected as deputy party leader. He suggested there may be ulterior motives behind this push, alleging that she could be used to legitimize the Oburu-led NDC. Osotsi urged Winnie Odinga to proceed with caution and avoid being exploited by the rival faction.
Wanga has further dismissed the Linda Mwananchi faction’s calls for a “people’s NDC,” describing them as attempts to confuse ODM supporters and create distractions. She stressed that only those authorized under the ODM constitution can convene an official NDC, stating that one cannot simply gather individuals and label them as delegates.
