NAIROBI, Kenya — Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, has hinted at a possible ODM-UDA political rally at Nairobi’s Jacaranda Grounds following President William Ruto’s five-day tour of Nyanza.
Jalang’o made the suggestion on Wednesday, September 16, as Ruto concluded his tour in Migori County.
In a social media post, the MP suggested that the political mobilisation witnessed during the President’s Nyanza tour could next move to Nairobi.
“Day 4! Migori County!! Kesho tunamaliza mambo ya Nyanza then we come to Nairobi!! I think Jacaranda ni sawa!!” Jalang’o wrote.
His remarks do not amount to a formal announcement of a rally. He did not give a date, confirm the organisers or provide a list of leaders expected to attend.
Jacaranda Rally Held Days Earlier
Jalang’o’s suggestion comes just days after the Linda Mwananchi movement held a major rally at Jacaranda Grounds on Sunday, September 13.
The gathering brought together Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other leaders opposed to the broad-based government arrangement.
The National Police Service subsequently described the rally as peaceful, saying organisers, participants and security officers demonstrated restraint and respect for one another. The NPS said the event showed that political gatherings could take place without violence or disruption of public order.
A potential ODM-UDA gathering would therefore come only days after the opposition mobilisation at the same venue.
Ruto Completes Five-Day Nyanza Tour
Ruto’s five-day tour took him through Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay and Migori counties, where he inspected and launched government projects while also engaging in political activities.
ODM and UDA leaders accompanied the President during parts of the tour, highlighting the cooperation between a section of the Orange Democratic Movement and the ruling party.
Jalang’o, who has been associated with the ODM-UDA cooperation, also commented on the President’s reception during the tour.
On Monday, he wrote:
“Day 2 Nyanza Tour. Kisumu County! Kesho Tunaingia Siaya Kababa!! Game ni 90 na hakuna kutoroka!!”
The tour has taken place against the backdrop of changing political alignments in Nyanza following the death of veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga.
ODM-UDA Cooperation Faces Internal Differences
A section of ODM leaders has continued to support cooperation with Ruto under the broad-based government arrangement, while another faction has opposed the partnership.
Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has been among ODM leaders engaging with the President and supporting cooperation between the two political formations.
The Linda Mwananchi movement, associated with leaders including Sifuna and Orengo, has meanwhile positioned itself in opposition to the current political direction.
The differing positions have become increasingly visible as political mobilisation gathers pace ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Linda Mwananchi Rallies Face Disruptions in Nyanza
The contrast between the peaceful Jacaranda rally and some earlier political events in Nyanza has also drawn attention.
Linda Mwananchi activities in parts of Nyanza have faced disruptions, including an incident in Homa Bay in August in which deaths and property destruction were reported.
In Kisumu, the National Police Service previously reported that violence during a July 12 church fundraiser attended by Linda Mwananchi leaders left one person dead, several people injured, nine motorcycles burned and a police vehicle damaged. Eight suspects were arrested, according to police accounts.
The movement had also reported an attack on its convoy in Kisumu in February.
These incidents have intensified concerns over political violence as parties and movements increase their mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
Jacaranda Emerges as Key Political Venue
Jacaranda Grounds has increasingly become a prominent venue for political mobilisation in Nairobi.
The September 13 Linda Mwananchi rally followed a procession through parts of the capital before supporters gathered at the grounds for the main political meeting. The National Police Service later urged political leaders and their supporters to emulate the conduct witnessed at the event.
Jalang’o’s latest remarks now raise the possibility that the same venue could host another major political gathering involving leaders associated with the ODM-UDA cooperation.
For now, however, no ODM-UDA rally at Jacaranda has been formally announced.
The development comes as political parties and movements intensify preparations and public mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Nairobi and Nyanza emerging as important centres of political activity.
