NAIROBI, Kenya – An Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rally at Nairobi’s Jacaranda Grounds ended abruptly on Saturday after unidentified individuals stormed the main dais and seized the microphone, triggering panic among leaders and supporters.
The disruption occurred as party leaders were introducing themselves to the crowd during the gathering organised to mark the climax of the month-long Mwezi wa Baba commemorations in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Footage from the event showed unfamiliar individuals taking control of the microphone as confusion spread across the grounds, forcing leaders and members of the public to scramble for safety.
One of the individuals who took the microphone was heard telling the crowd, “Msitoroke” (Do not run), as the situation unfolded.
The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the identities of those who interrupted the proceedings and what motivated them, remained unclear.
Tension reportedly preceded the disruption
Reports from the venue indicated that tensions had emerged earlier as some political aspirants attempted to access the main dais accompanied by their security personnel.
According to accounts of the incident, disagreements over access to the stage were followed by the arrival of individuals who were not scheduled to address the gathering.
The situation escalated when the individuals seized the microphone, effectively bringing the event to an end. Attempts by organisers to calm the crowd and persuade attendees to remain at the venue reportedly failed as confusion intensified.
Several leaders subsequently left the grounds.
There was no immediate official explanation from ODM identifying those responsible or establishing whether the disruption was planned.
Rally marked end of Raila commemorations
Saturday’s gathering was intended to bring to a close ODM’s month-long Mwezi wa Baba activities, organised to honour Raila, who died in October 2025.
The rally attracted senior party figures and government officials, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.
The event had also been viewed as an opportunity for ODM leaders to demonstrate the party’s mobilisation strength in Nairobi and communicate its political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In the days preceding the rally, Nairobi ODM chairman George Aladwa had said the party expected a major turnout, with delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
The gathering took place amid disagreements within ODM over its political relationship with President William Ruto’s administration and the party’s strategy ahead of the next General Election.
Jacaranda’s growing political significance
The disruption also unfolded at a venue that has become an important centre for political mobilisation in Nairobi.
Jacaranda Grounds previously hosted a major gathering by the Linda Mwananchi faction in September, bringing together leaders associated with a different political direction within the broader ODM political landscape.
Saturday’s rally therefore carried significance beyond the Raila commemorations, coming at a time when competing political interests are seeking to consolidate influence within the party.
The identities of those who took over the stage, the circumstances behind their actions and whether anyone was injured or arrested remained outstanding questions following the chaotic end to the rally.
