Delegates of the Orange Democratic Movement meeting at the Jamhuri ASK Grounds have ratified the election of Oburu Oginga as the party leader, in a major leadership shake-up that has intensified internal divisions.
The National Delegates Convention also endorsed the appointment of Simba Arati, the Kisii Governor, and Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir, the Mombasa Governor, as new deputy party leaders.
New leadership structure takes shape
The convention further confirmed other positions, including the removal of Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi from his position as one of the party’s deputy leaders. Orange Democratic Movement Director of Elections Junet Mohamed stated that Osotsi’s nomination was invalid as it lacked both a proposer and a seconder.
The resolutions adopted at Jamhuri come amid a deepening split within the party.
A rival faction led by Orange Democratic Movement Secretary General Edwin Sifuna rejected the outcomes. Speaking at a parallel convention held at Ufungamano House, Sifuna dismissed the National Delegates Convention as illegitimate, accusing the Oburu Oginga-led faction of betraying the party’s founding principles.
“The resolutions do not reflect the will of the people,” Sifuna told delegates aligned to the Linda Mwananchi wing.
Calls to safeguard democracy
At the same gathering, James Orengo called on young Kenyans to actively defend democratic gains, warning against complacency amid the unfolding political tensions.
Orengo praised delegates who managed to access the venue despite an earlier police blockade, saying their actions reflected Kenya’s long history of struggle for freedom.
He urged the youth to take up the responsibility of safeguarding democratic space, cautioning that the country risks reversing hard-won gains if vigilance is not maintained.
The developments highlight deepening divisions in the Orange Democratic Movement, with one side favoring broader alliances and the other insisting on ideological purity and internal reforms. Analysts say the rift could influence opposition strategies ahead of future elections.
Party insiders on both sides expressed hope for eventual reconciliation, though no immediate talks were announced. The official convention concluded with resolutions to recruit more members, particularly from the Gen Z demographic, and to strengthen grassroots structures.
