The Orange Democratic Movement has refuted articles published in the Sunday Standard claiming that the party transported more than 6,000 delegates to Nairobi for its Special Delegates Conference (SDC), describing the report as unfounded, baseless, and misleading.
Through a statement issued on Sunday, March 29, ODM’s Director of Campaigns and Elections, Junet Mohammed, criticized the Standard media for publishing sensational and inaccurate stories intended to mislead the public and damage the party’s reputation.
Junet stated in the notice that their attention had been drawn to a misleading and sensational headline by The Standard Group asserting that ODM transported 6,000 delegates to Nairobi for their National Delegates Conference on Friday, March 27 2026, at a cost of KSH 100 million, with delegates receiving different payments across various regions.
He added that they wished to explicitly state that these accusations are false, baseless, and a calculated effort to misinform the public and undermine the credibility of their party.
A Sunday, March 29, publication reported that the conference was attended by numerous individuals, with over Ksh 100 million spent on preparing, transporting, and housing the delegates.
Nevertheless, in their statement, ODM clarified that their constitution establishes the number of accredited delegates for the NDC at 3,000, with any figure exceeding this being illegal.
Junet additionally questioned the source of the 6,000-delegate assertion, describing it as a significant exaggeration and proof of irresponsible journalism.
The notice added that to eliminate any confusion, the ODM Constitution clearly specifies the composition of the National Delegates Conference. The mandatory number of accredited delegates is 3,000; any figure above this violates the law. This raises the question: what is the origin of the 6,000-delegate figure? Such exaggerations are not only incorrect but demonstrate a reckless disregard for factual accuracy.
The publication also stated that over Ksh100 million was utilized in transporting delegates to the capital. The Standard alleged that each of the 3000 extra delegates was supposed to receive Ksh30,000, an amount intended to cover lodging, meals, and transportation for three days, an assertion that ODM strongly denied.
Junet stated that attempts to depict the event as regional mobilization and financial misconduct were irresponsible and aimed at distorting ODM’s character and capabilities. Consequently, he urged the public to concentrate on the significant decisions made during the conference, such as the unanimous endorsement of Oburu Odinga as the party leader.
At the ODM SDC, delegates unanimously selected party leaders, with Gladys Wanga elected as chairperson, Oburu as party leader, and Kisii governor Simba Arati and his Mombasa counterpart Abdulswamad Nassir serving as deputy party leaders.
However, the delegates’ conference was absent of prominent party dissenters, such as Osotsi, embattled Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and others.
This faction, led by Linda Mwmanchi, conducted an alternative NDC, labeled the people’s NDC, accusing the party leadership of irregularities.
ODM’s statement alleging misreporting by the Standard coincides with difficulties facing the media organization, including recent warnings from the Communication Authority regarding potential license revocation due to loan issues. The Media Council of Kenya also recently contacted the Standard about sensational headlines and yellow journalism practices.