ODM Communication Director Philip Etale strongly refuted the claims, describing them as inaccurate and misleading.
The convention took place at Jamhuri Grounds on Friday, March 27, marking the party’s first major gathering following the death of its longtime leader, Raila Odinga.
The controversy emerged after a local newspaper reported that the party allegedly spent more than Ksh100 million to mobilize crowds for the convention.
The controversy emerged after a local newspaper reported that the party allegedly spent more than Ksh100 million to mobilize crowds for the convention.
The publication further claimed that more than 6,000 delegates attended the event and that each received financial incentives to show up.
However, Etale rejected the allegations, saying the numbers quoted in the report were exaggerated and inconsistent with the party’s constitution.
According to him, the ODM constitution clearly outlines that the number of delegates attending a National Delegates Convention should not exceed 3,000.
“Even the party constitution is very clear that delegates to the NDC must not exceed 3,000. Where the newspaper is getting the figure of over 6,000 delegates confirms the worst fears that some media outlets have abandoned responsible journalism,” Etale stated.
He further challenged the publication to produce evidence supporting the claim that delegates were paid to attend the event.
Etale maintained that the party did not spend the massive amount of money being alleged and insisted that none of the delegates were paid to participate in the convention.
“ODM has held many National Delegates Conventions before and none has cost the party the kind of money being claimed. If there is any delegate who received Ksh25,000 as alleged, let the writer provide proof,” he said.
He also criticized what he described as attempts to portray the party in a negative light through unverified claims.
According to Etale, propaganda and speculation would not make any media outlet more credible, emphasizing that objectivity and integrity remain the foundation of responsible journalism.
Meanwhile, the Special Delegates Convention exposed deepening divisions within ODM, as a faction of party leaders held a parallel meeting at Ufungamano House on the same day.
The group, which has been critical of recent developments within the party, includes several prominent leaders such as Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi.
Members of the faction have accused President William Ruto’s administration of corruption, abductions, extrajudicial killings, and undermining devolution.
They have also expressed concerns that the government is attempting to influence internal affairs within ODM following the death of Raila Odinga.
On the other hand, another faction within the party has rallied behind leaders seen as more open to cooperation with the current administration.
However, Etale rejected the allegations, saying the numbers quoted in the report were exaggerated and inconsistent with the party’s constitution.
According to him, the ODM constitution clearly outlines that the number of delegates attending a National Delegates Convention should not exceed 3,000.
“Even the party constitution is very clear that delegates to the NDC must not exceed 3,000. Where the newspaper is getting the figure of over 6,000 delegates confirms the worst fears that some media outlets have abandoned responsible journalism,” Etale stated.
He further challenged the publication to produce evidence supporting the claim that delegates were paid to attend the event.
Etale maintained that the party did not spend the massive amount of money being alleged and insisted that none of the delegates were paid to participate in the convention.
“ODM has held many National Delegates Conventions before and none has cost the party the kind of money being claimed. If there is any delegate who received Ksh25,000 as alleged, let the writer provide proof,” he said.
He also criticized what he described as attempts to portray the party in a negative light through unverified claims.
According to Etale, propaganda and speculation would not make any media outlet more credible, emphasizing that objectivity and integrity remain the foundation of responsible journalism.
Meanwhile, the Special Delegates Convention exposed deepening divisions within ODM, as a faction of party leaders held a parallel meeting at Ufungamano House on the same day.
The group, which has been critical of recent developments within the party, includes several prominent leaders such as Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Saboti MP Caleb Amisi.
Members of the faction have accused President William Ruto’s administration of corruption, abductions, extrajudicial killings, and undermining devolution.
They have also expressed concerns that the government is attempting to influence internal affairs within ODM following the death of Raila Odinga.
On the other hand, another faction within the party has rallied behind leaders seen as more open to cooperation with the current administration.
Among those associated with this group are Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed.
The rival factions have traded accusations, each side claiming the other is being manipulated by powerful political figures, including President Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The rival factions have traded accusations, each side claiming the other is being manipulated by powerful political figures, including President Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
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