The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) staged a major show of political strength in Nairobi, drawing thousands of supporters to the historic Jacaranda Grounds. The rally, held in memory of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, brought together senior party officials and leaders allied to the broad-based government. ODM's top leadership sought to demonstrate that it has retained its influence in the capital amid growing political divisions within its ranks. The party declared its ambition to take over government in 2032 and reaffirmed its commitment to President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Dr Oburu Oginga, who is steering the party following his brother's death, defended ODM's decision to work with President Ruto's administration. He insisted that the arrangement was neither accidental nor an abandonment of the party's political interests. According to Dr Oginga, the party had entered the broad-based government with a clear understanding of what it hoped to achieve. He also stated that negotiations with UDA were still ongoing, adding that a broad-based government is different from a coalition government.
Deputy party leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati said ODM would not enter into a political arrangement with President William Ruto's UDA without securing favourable terms. He insisted that the party must negotiate the conditions for its participation in the broad-based government. Mr Arati dismissed calls for ODM to support the President without setting conditions, saying the party had its own interests to protect and would not surrender the bargaining power it had built over the years.
Party chairperson Gladys Wanga dismissed claims that ODM had been deserted by some of its established leaders. She questioned the suggestion that those who remained in the party represented an ageing political establishment. According to Ms Wanga, the thousands of people who attended the rally were a testament to the party's enduring influence in Nairobi. She also stated that ODM would enter into negotiations with UDA, reaffirming the party's commitment to securing favourable terms.
The choice of Jacaranda Grounds as the rally venue was politically significant, having hosted a major rally by the Linda Mwananchi movement on September 13. The venue served as one of the late Odinga's key mobilisation centres and a symbolic stronghold of opposition politics in Nairobi's Eastlands. The ODM rally came barely a day after Mr Sifuna unveiled the Linda Mwananchi Movement headquarters in Lavington, highlighting the growing political divisions in Nairobi.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who attended the rally, urged leaders to resist ethnic mobilisation and uphold the late Odinga's commitment to national unity. He sought to anchor the political debate in Mr Odinga's legacy, emphasising the need for leaders to defend the vulnerable and promote national unity. Mr Sakaja also stated that he would be seeking to defend his seat in 2027 on the ODM ticket, reaffirming his commitment to the party.
The back-to-back political events have turned Nairobi into an increasingly contested political arena, with ODM seeking to defend its traditional influence in the capital against a rival movement drawing support from some politicians who have previously been associated with the Orange party. The party's show of strength in Nairobi has demonstrated its enduring influence in the city, but also highlighted the growing divisions within its ranks. ODM's top leadership will need to navigate these divisions to maintain the party's influence in the capital.
Key points
- ODM stages a major show of strength in Nairobi, drawing thousands of supporters to the historic Jacaranda Grounds.
- Party leaders reaffirm commitment to President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027 and declare ambition to take over government in 2032.
- Deputy party leader Simba Arati insists that ODM will not enter into a political arrangement with UDA without securing favourable terms.
