Africa-Press – Kenya. Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Chairperson Otiende Amollo has outlined key agendas for the party’s upcoming delegates’ convention, scheduled for Friday, March 27.
Speaking during the coronation ceremony of ODM party leader Oburu Odinga as his clan’s spokesperson on Sunday, March 22, at Kang’o Kajaramogi, Otiende confirmed that the convention will focus on only two matters amid confusion over the agenda.
First, delegates will formally endorse Oburu Odinga as the party leader. This decision has already been approved by the National Executive Council (NEC), the Central Committee, the National Governing Council (NGC), and the Parliamentary Group.
“Oburu is our party leader, and this is not by mistake. We had already agreed on his leadership as NEC members even before we formally approached him. The only step remaining is the final one, which will be completed next week during the special delegates convention,” Otiende stated.
The second agenda is the approval for the party to begin structured negotiations with President William Ruto and his United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. Oburu shall spearhead these negotiations in his capacity as the party leader.
Otiende, who is also the Rarieda MP, confirmed that the convention scheduled by the party on March 27 is not a national delegates convention (NDC) but a special delegates convention.
“This will take place at a Special Delegates Convention, not a National Delegates Convention. It is called “special” because it has been convened for only two purposes,” Otiende added.
At the same time, the MP warned party members against coming with other agendas besides the two stipulated ones.
“These are the only two items on the agenda. Anyone who comes with a different or additional agenda will be wasting their time.”
His statement comes amid reports that the NDC will discuss, among other issues, the creation of the deputy party leader position to accommodate EALA MP Winnie Odinga, following a meeting with ODM party delegates from Nairobi County.
There is also speculation that some party members have nominated Embakasi East MP Babu Owino for the position of the secretary general to replace Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, who was dismissed as the SG. However, the outspoken MP rejected the offer, stating that he was only interested in the party leader position.
The rumours have since been dismissed by party leader Oburu Odinga, who urged the public to treat them as fake news.
The ODM party is still facing internal wrangles, with the Linda Mwananchi faction vowing to boycott the NDC and questioning its legitimacy.
The faction led by Sifuna and Babu will instead hold their Linda Mwananchi rally in Nairobi on the same day as the NDC, which will be held at Jamhuri grounds.
