In a statement posted on his official X account late Sunday, January 11, Alai dismissed Aladwa’s position as misguided, insisting that the NDC must be convened to address what he described as rebellion within the party’s top leadership.
Alai specifically singled out ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, arguing that the convention should be used to formally remove him and other officials accused of undermining party unity.
“Opposing the NDC is a joke. The party must call the convention and deal with those who have gone rogue,” Alai wrote, using unusually strong language that has since drawn both criticism and support within ODM circles.
Aladwa’s defence of status quo
Aladwa, however, has maintained that calls for an NDC are unnecessary, arguing that ODM delegates had already met in Mombasa and ratified the current leadership, including acting party leader Oburu Odinga.
Speaking during a public address over the weekend, the Makadara MP said the Mombasa meeting resolved leadership questions and accused proponents of a fresh NDC of attempting to destabilise the party from within.
“We fully support our party leader Oburu Odinga. As Makadara, we were in Mombasa where Oburu and other officials were endorsed. Those calling for elections are instigators who want to destroy and sell our party,” Aladwa said.
His remarks reflect a growing faction within ODM that believes reopening leadership contests could weaken the party at a time when opposition unity is under strain nationally.
Despite Aladwa’s position, pressure to convene the NDC has continued to mount. Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has publicly urged Oburu to call the convention, arguing that it is the only legitimate forum capable of resolving the party’s internal disputes.
In a Facebook post on January 8, Oketch said prolonged wrangling risked eroding public confidence in ODM and called for a decisive, structured resolution.
“Party leader, please call the NDC. We need to sort this once and for all,” the senator stated.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has also backed calls for the convention, aligning himself with leaders who argue that ODM’s constitution must be respected, particularly in moments of internal crisis.
At the centre of the dispute is Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, whose recent meetings with senior party figures—including Siaya Governor James Orengo and former Attorney General Amos Wako—have triggered accusations of parallel power centres within the party.
Sifuna’s critics accuse him of engaging in actions that undermine collective decision-making, while his allies argue that he is working to stabilise ODM amid shifting political alliances and speculation about cooperation with President William Ruto’s administration.
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has openly called for Sifuna’s removal from his Senate leadership position, citing what he terms betrayal of party principles.
In a statement shared on January 6, Kaluma compared ODM’s handling of Sifuna to how the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) removed Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale from his Senate Majority Whip role in 2025 following disciplinary concerns.
“If other parties can act decisively to protect discipline, ODM should not hesitate,” Kaluma argued.
The public exchanges between Alai and Aladwa underscore a broader struggle within ODM over authority, procedure and political direction as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
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