ODM Sets Stage for Crucial Convention That Could Decide Sifuna’s Future Ahead of 2027

Nairobi — The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is gearing up for a high-stakes National Delegates Convention (NDC) in October, a gathering that could not only shape the party’s political trajectory ahead of the 2027 General Election but also determine the fate of its outspoken Secretary-General, Edwin Sifuna.

The party says the NDC will review policy positions, receive reports from party organs, and elect new national officials. But insiders admit the meeting is also expected to address growing rifts triggered by Sifuna’s defiance over ODM’s budding political cooperation with President William Ruto.

Tensions have flared in recent months as ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Ruto move to cement a post-handshake alliance; complete with a victims’ compensation framework, a joint MoU, and the fast-tracking of the NADCO report — steps that have been praised as a political masterstroke by some, but condemned as a betrayal by others.

Sifuna, a vocal critic of the pact, has openly declared he would quit as SG if ODM endorses Ruto’s re-election bid, calling the agreement “dead” after the June 8 death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody. His stance has endeared him to a section of the grassroots but angered party loyalists, some of whom have publicly called for his removal.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has accused Sifuna of “fuelling confusion” and demanded his resignation, while Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi suggested the party has “many options” for a spokesperson, even name-dropping Nyando MP Jared Okello as a potential replacement.

ODM’s Central Committee, in its July 15 resolution, formally set the October NDC date, intensifying speculation that the meeting could be used to censure Sifuna, clip his influence, or even begin the process of replacing him.

For now, Sifuna remains unbowed but with Raila and Ruto hinting at a coalition in 2027, the October convention could mark a decisive turning point for both the party’s unity and its combative Secretary-General’s political career.