The convention is expected to ratify the party’s leadership and its strategic alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections, but factional resistance is testing party unity.
Some party members argue that the current broad-based government (BBG) arrangement was imposed without consultation with the rank and file, fueling discontent at the grassroots level.
Some party members argue that the current broad-based government (BBG) arrangement was imposed without consultation with the rank and file, fueling discontent at the grassroots level.
Reports suggest that anti-BBG sentiment is growing, particularly online, with young activists promoting what they call a “Third Liberation” against the party’s perceived old-guard dominance.
Dr. Oburu’s mediation aims to prevent a full-scale split in the party before the convention can formalize its roadmap for Kenya’s next political cycle.
Dr. Oburu’s mediation aims to prevent a full-scale split in the party before the convention can formalize its roadmap for Kenya’s next political cycle.
Reliable intelligence presented to President William Ruto indicates that anti-BBG protests are gaining momentum, with local leaders in Nyanza and Nairobi struggling to manage the dissent.
Even Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga’s efforts to rally support for the administration’s development agenda have faced pushback.
Even Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga’s efforts to rally support for the administration’s development agenda have faced pushback.
The unrest is compounded by criticisms that ODM’s oversight role has been softened, creating perceptions of unconditional alignment with the executive.
Tensions are visible at the top levels of the party. Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and other senior officials have been absent from key NDC planning sessions, prompting Oburu to take a more direct role in defending the 10-point agenda.
Tensions are visible at the top levels of the party. Secretary General Edwin Sifuna and other senior officials have been absent from key NDC planning sessions, prompting Oburu to take a more direct role in defending the 10-point agenda.
He maintains that the policy framework is essential for achieving a “Singapore-style transformation” for Kenya.
However, the defiance at the grassroots, particularly among the youth, suggests the base is increasingly rejecting control by the old guard.
However, the defiance at the grassroots, particularly among the youth, suggests the base is increasingly rejecting control by the old guard.
With March 27 approaching, the success of the NDC will serve as a critical indicator of ODM’s cohesion and its ability to maintain influence in the 2027 elections.
Critiques from figures like Martha Karua, who has highlighted national confusion, underline the stakes.
Critiques from figures like Martha Karua, who has highlighted national confusion, underline the stakes.
Party leaders are counting on the convention to legitimize the BBG framework and unify Kenya’s 55 million citizens in a post-Raila Odinga era—but growing grassroots opposition could make that task far from straightforward.
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