The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party flexed its political muscle with a budget of at least Sh40 million to host a special National Delegates Convention in Nairobi on Friday, turning its gathering into a political show of might.

From the moment delegates began streaming into the venue early in the morning, it was clear this was no ordinary party meeting.

It was an elaborate, carefully orchestrated affair—complete with branded merchandise, tight security, organised transport systems and a steady flow of delegates from across the country—designed to project ODM’s amid infighting involving a group led by Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna that held a parallel event at Ufungamano House.

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Multiple party insiders and organisers revealed that the convention, which drew an estimated 3,000 delegates, cost approximately Sh40 million, with the bulk of the funds going into logistics, accommodation, transport, meals and delegate facilitation.

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“The entire process is estimated to cost about Sh40 million,” a senior party official who was part of the organising committee told the Sunday Nation. He spoke in confidence as he is not allowed to publicly comment.

ODM supporters during the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Special Delegates Convention at the ASK Dome, Jamhuri Expo Centre in Nairobi on Friday, March 27.

Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group

“Posters, merchandise, food, transport, accommodation—everything that has gone into making the event a success is around that figure.”

According to the official, the funds were drawn from party coffers and disbursed through a structured and transparent system, with delegates receiving their allowances directly via mobile money platforms through a contracted firm.

A central feature of the convention—and one that drew both praise and scrutiny—was the handling of delegates’ welfare.

Organisers appeared keen to avoid the logistical chaos that has in the past marred large political gatherings, opting instead for a streamlined system that ensured timely payments and orderly movement.

ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga framed the convention as a turning point for the party.

“The Special Delegates’ Convention of the ODM Party was nothing short of inspiring, engaging, productive and historic,” she said.

Ratified ODM leaders Gladys Wanga, Simba Arati, Oburu Odinga and Abdulswamad Nassir during the party's Special Delegates Convention at the A.S.K Dome, Jamhuri Expo Centre in Nairobi.

Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group

Delegates were paid allowances based on distance travelled, with those from nearby areas receiving about Sh5,000 while those from far-flung regions pocketed upwards of Sh20,000. Delegates from Kisumu, for instance, confirmed receiving Sh9,000 each.

Nairobi County branch chairman George Aladwa confirmed that delegates from the capital received their dues without any hitches, a rare occurrence in large political conventions where payment delays often spark discontent.

“The programme was well funded and went according to schedule,” the organising official said. “Money was sent through a managing firm. To avoid congestion, we set up parking bays a bit far from the venue and contracted buses which ferried delegates to the hall.”

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The transport arrangement was particularly notable. Instead of allowing private vehicles to crowd the venue, organisers designated remote parking zones and deployed buses to shuttle delegates, sometimes even journalists, in and out, easing congestion and enhancing security.

“The plan was elaborate. Buses were part of the management. The secretariat made the process smooth,” the official added.

ODM delegates converged for the Party's Special National Delegates Convention at the Jamhuri Grounds in Nairobi.

Photo credit: Justus Ochieng| Nation Media Group

Inside the venue, long queues were observed at feeding points as delegates were served meals in shifts, reflecting both the scale of the event and the logistical challenge of handling thousands of attendees.

Security was also significantly heightened, with access tightly controlled and movement within the venue closely monitored.

The scale and structure of the convention was reflected in the list of attendees, as outlined in a notice published on March 5 by Deputy Secretary General Catherine Omanyo.

Ms Omanyo, however, declined to give details of the delegates, their number and distribution from the branches.

Those invited included all members of the National Executive Committee, the party’s Parliamentary Group, members of the Council of Governors and their deputies, branch chairpersons, county coordinating committees, and leaders from county assemblies.

Also present were officials from the ODM Youth League, Women League and Disability League, as well as members of standing committees and representatives of marginalised groups from each county.

Additional delegates were nominated from branches and county structures, ensuring a broad representation of the party’s grassroots and leadership tiers, and were all paid allowances.

Financial queries

But even as ODM showcased its organisational capacity, questions linger over its financial position, particularly in light of its ongoing dispute with the National Treasury over unpaid political party funding.

The party has previously claimed that it is owed Sh12.6 billion in unpaid funds, a matter that has escalated into a legal and political battle.

Also Read: Sifuna tells off Oburu, Orengo calls for protests in parallel ODM event

In a statement issued after a Central Committee meeting at Chungwa House last year, ODM accused the Treasury and Parliament of failing to honour their legal obligations.

“Of concern, however, is the continued refusal by the National Treasury and Parliament to comply with the law on political party funding and failure to settle the debt owed to ODM, which now stands at a whopping Sh12.6 billion,” the party said at the time.

“The committee has resolved to explore execution proceedings against the National Treasury for recovery of this amount.”

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Despite the funding standoff, party officials insist that ODM has continued to receive its quarterly allocations, enabling it to finance key activities, including the Friday NDC.

“We haven’t received about Sh12 billion from the exchequer, but we get our quarterly shares, so we were able to fund the programme,” a senior official tasked with the Friday organisation told Sunday Nation.

Analysts say the scale and execution of the NDC were meant to send a message that “ODM remains a formidable political force capable of mobilising resources, managing large-scale events and maintaining cohesion within its ranks.”

“The emphasis on delegate welfare—through timely payments, organised transport and structured feeding—was also seen as a strategic move to reinforce loyalty and discipline within the party.”

“At a time when political parties are increasingly judged by their organisational efficiency, ODM’s ability to pull off a largely smooth convention, we hope, will strengthen our standing among supporters and potential allies,” another official disclosed.

Funding

Questions also linger on the funding of the event after previous allegations by Mr Sifuna that State House has been funding some of the party’s activities. Dr Oburu Oginga, however, denied the claims at the time and said that ODM funds its own activities.

ODM party leader Oburu Oginga during the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Special Delegates Convention at the ASK Dome, Jamhuri Expo Centre in Nairobi.

Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group

As the dust settles on the Nairobi convention, attention now shifts to how ODM will translate the show of force into tangible political gains.

The party faces the dual challenge of maintaining internal unity while navigating a complex national political landscape marked by shifting alliances and emerging power centres.

Beyond the logistics, however, the convention was unmistakably political, following its resolution to begin 2027 coalition talks with President William Ruto-led United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

It provided a platform for ODM leaders to assert their dominance, rally the base and send a message to both allies and competitors.

ODM Director of Elections Junet Mohamed struck a defiant tone, warning that the party would not compromise its political strength in any negotiations, hinting to their push for zoning.

“Anyone in this country who wants to negotiate with ODM, we will not negotiate on our parliamentary strength,” he said. “Anywhere we have an MCA, MP, Senator, Governor, Woman Rep, it will remain with ODM.”

The National Assembly Minority Leader’s remarks underscored a growing assertiveness within the party as it positions itself ahead of future political contests.

“We have listened to some people speak a lot; but if you joke with us, we shall also present a presidential candidate—let’s meet in the battlefield,” he added. “Don’t threaten ODM. ODM zones are well known. So, our would-be partners, let’s respect each other. ODM is a major party.”

His warning reflected underlying tensions in the broad-based political landscape.

“Don’t joke with ODM because if they are angered, they can cause problems,” Mr Mohamed said, drawing cheers from the delegates.

Held under the theme “Unity and Progress – Stronger Together,” the convention sought to project a message of cohesion and renewal at a time when the party is navigating internal transitions and external political pressures.

“We didn’t just talk but made a bold commitment to re-energise our party and reposition it for even greater impact in the governance and development of our nation,” said Ms Wanga. “Our mission is to stand boldly as the hope and the unmistakable voice of every Kenyan.”

Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga speaks during the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Special Delegates Convention at the ASK Dome, Jamhuri Expo Centre in Nairobi.

Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group

Her remarks pointed to a broader effort within ODM to rebrand and reassert its relevance, particularly in a political environment that has seen the rise of new alliances and shifting voter dynamics.

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jjochieng@ke.nationmedia.com