The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party is bracing for a political showdown as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and interim party Secretary General Catherine Omanyo clash over the upcoming National Delegates Conference (NDC) scheduled for March 27, 2026.
Babu Owino has openly questioned the legitimacy of the NDC, demanding that delegates be audited and that only Secretary General Edwin Sifuna convene the meeting. Omanyo, however, insists the ODM constitution allows the National Executive Committee (NEC) to set the conference, dismissing Babu’s claims as baseless. The row exposes deep fractures within Kenya’s largest opposition party.
Babu Owino Challenges Legitimacy of Upcoming ODM NDC
Speaking on Citizen TV on Sunday, February 22, Babu Owino laid down strict conditions for attending the NDC. He argued that he and other members of the Linda Mwananchi faction would only participate if the delegates are fully audited and verified.
Babu emphasized that the conference’s legitimacy hinges on whether the embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna convenes it. “We can only attend the NDC if the delegates are audited one by one and if the NDC is called by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. If Sifuna does not call the NDC, then it will not be an NDC. It will be a Kangaroo meeting,” he said.
He added that without Sifuna’s formal call, the party’s constitution and structure would be undermined. According to Babu, all other officeholders are illegitimate if the NDC is not procedurally convened. “We do not want an NDC that is not procedurally called. None of the office holders followed the procedure to be in office except the SG,” he stressed.
Babu’s stance reflects the frustration among members who feel sidelined in the decision-making process. By insisting on proper audits and adherence to constitutional procedures, he is positioning himself as a defender of internal party democracy while directly challenging Omanyo’s authority.
Catherine Omanyo Upholds Party Procedures
In a swift response, Catherine Omanyo, acting ODM Secretary General and Busia County woman representative, dismissed Babu’s claims as inaccurate. Through her social media accounts, Omanyo argued that the ODM constitution provides a clear framework for convening the NDC.
She explained that the National Executive Committee (NEC) has the power to convene the conference, with its resolution ratified by the National Governing Council (NGC). The secretary general’s role is primarily to notify party members, and if the SG fails, the NEC can designate another official to issue the notice at least 21 days before the conference. Omanyo highlighted that the notice must be published on the party website and in at least one daily English newspaper with wide circulation.
Omanyo’s explanation underscores the NEC’s authority and portrays Babu’s conditions as unnecessary obstacles. By citing the constitution, she aims to reaffirm the procedural legitimacy of the upcoming NDC and quell doubts among party members.
Internal Rift Threatens Party Unity
The clash between Babu Owino and Catherine Omanyo illustrates a growing tension within ODM. The party is currently grappling with factional disputes following Sifuna’s ouster as secretary general, and the upcoming NDC is seen as pivotal in determining the party’s direction ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While Omanyo asserts that the NDC will proceed according to party rules, Babu’s insistence on audits and adherence to Sifuna’s authority signals potential boycotts or disputes that could disrupt proceedings. Analysts suggest that if the factions fail to reconcile, the party risks public perception of disunity, which could weaken its electoral prospects.
The tension also reflects broader debates about internal democracy in Kenyan political parties. Babu’s faction argues that strict adherence to procedures safeguards legitimacy, while Omanyo’s camp believes that flexibility in convening the NDC ensures continuity and prevents unnecessary delays.
As March 27 approaches, all eyes are on ODM’s leadership. The outcome of this standoff could reshape party dynamics, either consolidating Omanyo’s interim authority or elevating Babu’s faction as a formidable internal opposition.
