Owino's statement comes amid growing tensions within the party, with two factions emerging: Linda Mwananchi, led by Sifuna and Owino, and Linda Ground, aligned with ODM leader Oburu Oginga. The NDC is scheduled for March 27, 2026, but Owino insists that delegates must be audited before the conference.
Acting ODM Secretary General Catherine Omanyo has dismissed Owino's claims, citing the party constitution, which allows the National Executive Committee (NEC) to appoint another official to convene the NDC if the Secretary General is unable.