Inside ODM legal firestorm ahead of crucial NDC

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is bracing for uncertainty as its planned Special National Delegates Convention (NDC) on 27 March 2026 faces a major legal challenge just days before it convenes in Nairobi.

The Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) is scheduled to deliver a ruling on 26 March 2026 in a case filed by party life member Vincent Chepkwony. The complaint questions the legitimacy of the current party leadership and the resolutions passed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) that set the NDC date.

Chepkwony, represented by lawyer Deynes Muriithi, argues that key officials, including party leader Oburu Oginga, have not been properly elected by the National Delegates Convention as required by the ODM Constitution. He claims the NEC lacks constitutional authority to make binding decisions, including calling the convention.

“None of the members of the Orange Democratic Movement holding National Offices has been legally elected by the National Delegates Convention as required by the Constitution,” the complaint states.

Chepkwony seeks to quash the 11 February 2026 NEC resolutions, which, among other actions, scheduled the 27 March gathering.

The case was filed on 4 March 2026 and certified as urgent by PPDT presiding member Gathu Kiragu. It was mentioned on 17 March, leading to the 26 March ruling date, leaving party officials with little time to adjust plans if the tribunal sides with the complainant.

Leadership ratification at stake

The National Delegates Convention is intended to ratify several leadership positions filled since earlier internal processes. According to the Orange Democratic Movement, only 11 NEC members await formal endorsement by delegates. These include:

• Oburu Oginga (party leader)
• His three deputies: Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, Paul Simba Arati and Godfrey Osotsi
• Chairperson Gladys Nyasuna Wanga
• Her deputies: Paul Otiende Amollo, John Ariko Namoit
• National Organising Secretary Ahmed Mohammed
• Deputy Organising Secretary Ruth Adhiambo Odinga
• Secretary for Political Affairs Rozaah Buyu

• 

The convention notice, issued pursuant to relevant ODM Constitution articles, aims to bring together National Executive Committee members, the Parliamentary Group, Council of Governors representatives, branch officials and league leaders to address these and other party matters.

Prematurity claims?

In its response, the ODM, through NEC member Halima Daro, Secretary for Special Interest Groups, argues the complaint is premature.

The party contends Chepkwony failed to exhaust internal dispute resolution mechanisms under the outfit’s Constitution and Section 40(2) of the Political Parties Act before approaching the tribunal.

“Instead of allowing the Complaint to be canvassed, deliberated on and determined within the Party’s structures, the Complainant proceeded to move this Tribunal,” the Orange Democratic Movement states. The party insists it remains ready to handle the issues internally and maintains the tribunal lacks jurisdiction at this stage.

The ODM also rejects accusations of illegality in its leadership, emphasising that most positions stem from prior decisions now pending ratification.

The outcome could force a postponement or proceed amid ongoing disputes, adding to internal tensions within Kenya’s major opposition party as it navigates post-founder dynamics and preparations for future elections.