Sifuna, Babu, Orengo Breach Police Barricade, Proceed with Ufungamano House ODM Linda Mwananchi NDC

Leaders allied to the perceived rebel Linda Mwananchi wing of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and their supporters have managed to breach a police barricade that was set up outside Ufungamano House ahead of their planned ‘People’s’ National Delegates Convention (NDC).

The barricade was set up on Friday morning to presumably deny them access to the venue, with supporters who arrived early on saying police had informed them of “orders from above” to stop the planned gathering from happening.

Nairobi police boss Issa Mohamud said the decision was taken to prevent potential clashes.

“They can hold their meeting any other day other than today. We are talking to the leaders to move it,” he said.

Osotsi insisted the meeting would proceed, saying: “We, the People, shall gather for the people's NDC at Ufungamano House, Mamlaka Road.”

They however managed to breach the security set up and access the venue in their numbers, with the police doing little to nothing to stop them.

The leaders who have since arrived at Ufungamano House and began their address include Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino among others.

The meeting comes amid a split within ODM, with the party's Linda Ground faction set to hold its own Special Delegates Convention (SDC) at Jamhuri Grounds to ratify decisions made during the National Executive Council (NEC).

Leaders allied to the Linda Ground faction, including ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga and Chairperson Gladys Wanga, have dismissed the parallel convention, maintaining that the party recognises only one official delegates gathering.