The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi ended abruptly on Saturday, October 31, after unfamiliar faces took to the stage and grabbed the microphone. It happened while party leaders were still introducing themselves to the crowd. In just a few minutes, what was meant to be a show of strength turned into a rush for safety.
Thousands of supporters had turned up at the Eastlands venue. On the dais were several senior party and government figures, among them ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, Treasury CS John Mbadi, Mining CS Hassan Joho and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja. The rally was the climax of a month of events marking one year since the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
When the strangers climbed onto the stage, panic spread fast. Some leaders were heard on the public address system begging supporters not to run, but the calls did not help. Leaders and residents scrambled for safety as confusion took over the gathering. One of the individuals who took the microphone was heard telling the crowd, "Msitoroke." Bodyguards quickly escorted senior leaders to their vehicles, and the leaders left the venue.
Police later moved in to calm the situation as the confusion spilled beyond the stage, with running battles reported at the grounds. Tension had also been building earlier in the day, as some aspirants brought their own supporters and some were reportedly blocked from reaching the main dais with their security.
The disruption is an embarrassment for security organisers because police had promised protection. A day earlier, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said officers would be deployed along the route from Uhuru Park to Jacaranda Grounds. He also warned that anyone planning to disrupt the rally would face firm action.
The rally also came at a delicate time for ODM. The party is divided over possible cooperation with President William Ruto's team ahead of the 2027 General Election, with some leaders demanding clear conditions for any deal. Jacaranda itself carries political weight. It is the same ground where the Linda Mwananchi movement drew huge crowds in September, and many saw Saturday's rally as a test of who holds Raila's support base in Nairobi.
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