The dramatic standoff unfolded shortly after Sifuna and his allies managed to access the venue despite a heavy police presence that had been deployed earlier in the morning.
The group, operating under the Linda Mwananchi banner, insisted on proceeding with what they described as a peaceful gathering.
Inside the hall, tensions escalated when police officers attempted to force their way in while the meeting was ongoing.
Inside the hall, tensions escalated when police officers attempted to force their way in while the meeting was ongoing.
Addressing the officers calmly but firmly, Sifuna urged them to remain outside and avoid disrupting the session.
He emphasized that the meeting was peaceful and that there was no need for confrontation, appealing to the officers to exercise restraint.
He emphasized that the meeting was peaceful and that there was no need for confrontation, appealing to the officers to exercise restraint.
Sifuna repeatedly referred to the police as fellow Kenyans, urging them to respect the rights of those gathered and allow the discussions to continue uninterrupted.
The meeting, dubbed the “People’s ODM NDC,” attracted hundreds of supporters who had earlier breached tight security outside the venue.
The meeting, dubbed the “People’s ODM NDC,” attracted hundreds of supporters who had earlier breached tight security outside the venue.
The large turnout highlighted growing internal divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), particularly among members opposed to the current leadership direction.
Several key political figures attended the meeting, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
Several key political figures attended the meeting, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.
Their presence signaled strong backing for Sifuna’s faction amid the ongoing leadership wrangles within the party.
Meanwhile, a separate National Delegates Convention was taking place at Jamhuri Grounds, organized by a rival faction aligned to Oburu Oginga.
Meanwhile, a separate National Delegates Convention was taking place at Jamhuri Grounds, organized by a rival faction aligned to Oburu Oginga.
The event brought together senior party officials, including ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga and other top leaders.
The parallel meetings underscored the deepening crisis within ODM, with expectations that major leadership changes could be announced. Reports indicate that Sifuna’s position as secretary general is under threat, with plans to replace him already being discussed by the opposing faction.
As the situation unfolded, concerns grew over the potential for clashes between rival groups and security forces. However, Sifuna maintained a call for calm, insisting that dialogue and unity should prevail over confrontation.
The events at Ufungamano House have once again placed ODM’s internal disputes in the spotlight, raising questions about the party’s unity and future direction ahead of upcoming political activities in the country.
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