ODM Power Struggles Deepens as Oburu Odinga Challenges Rivals to Face Him at High Stakes NDC Showdown

Oburu Oginga has thrown down the gauntlet to rivals seeking to unseat him as leader of the Orange Democratic Movement by daring them to confront him at the party’s next National Delegates Conference.

Speaking at a funeral in Siaya County he said questions over his legitimacy should be settled formally within party structures rather than through public attacks.

Oburu defended his rise to the top seat after the death of his brother Raila Odinga saying the process followed existing party rules during a difficult transition period.

He insisted that those unhappy with the arrangement should prepare for the NDC instead of fueling divisions that could weaken ODM ahead of the 2027 elections.

The challenge comes amid growing tension within ODM after a faction of senior leaders held a private meeting to push for an early delegates conference.

The group includes Babu Owino Ruth Odinga Edwin Sifuna Millie Odhiambo and Amos Wako who argue that the current leadership lacks proper approval.

Owino has openly declared interest in taking over the party arguing that ODM needs fresh energy and clear direction as it prepares for future contests.

He insists an NDC must be convened immediately to allow members to choose leaders through a transparent process.The leadership wrangle is also tied to ODM’s cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration which Owino’s camp strongly opposes.

Oburu maintains the broad based arrangement benefits the party and says he personally led negotiations that saw ODM figures join Cabinet.He warned that unity will determine the party’s bargaining power as talks continue this year.

Oburu said ODM is ready to face elections alone if coalition talks collapse insisting the party remains strong despite internal dissent.

He urged members to respect party organs and warned that public fights risk handing advantage to rivals ahead of a critical election cycle.

The standoff has exposed deep ideological and generational divides within ODM raising questions about its direction in a changing political landscape.

As both sides mobilise support attention now shifts to whether the NDC will ease tensions or ignite a full scale contest for control of the party ahead of national campaigns intensifying across the country in the coming months.

Party insiders say the outcome will shape alliances candidate choices and campaign strategy as grassroots delegates prepare to play a decisive role in determining ODM’s future direction before the next general election season.