Chaos at Jacaranda: ODM Leaders Forced to Flee as Suspected Goons Storm Rally and Grab Microphone

An Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rally at Nairobi’s Jacaranda Grounds descended into chaos on Saturday, October 31, after suspected goons reportedly stormed the main dais, disrupting proceedings and forcing several leaders and supporters to scramble for safety during the afternoon.

The gathering had been organised to mark the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Thousands of supporters attended, expecting party leaders to address them and reflect on the legacy of the late opposition chief together.

According to reports, tension began when some political aspirants attempted to access the main dais while accompanied by their security personnel. Their arrival reportedly triggered confrontations, creating unease among people gathered at the venue for the party meeting at Jacaranda.

The situation worsened when unfamiliar individuals reportedly made their way onto the stage and grabbed the microphone as party leaders were introducing themselves. The interruption halted proceedings and left those on the dais struggling to regain control before the crowd.

Amid the confusion, some leaders were heard using the public address system to urge supporters not to run. However, tensions continued to rise, and the confrontation reportedly spilled into running battles as people rushed away from the scene at Jacaranda.

Police officers reportedly moved in to intervene as disorder spread across the grounds. The sudden turn of events disrupted the rally, with supporters and leaders seeking safety while the circumstances behind the confrontation remained unclear as the programme was underway.

Several senior political figures had attended the gathering, including ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga and Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati. Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja were also present at Jacaranda Grounds.

It was not immediately established whether anyone had sustained injuries or been arrested during the incident. The identities and motives of the individuals who reportedly disrupted the event had also not yet been confirmed publicly by officials by Saturday evening.

Neither ODM nor the Nairobi Regional Police team had issued an official statement explaining the disruption by the time the report was published. The lack of an immediate explanation left questions about how the confrontation started and who was responsible.

The incident came a day after Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud assured ODM leaders that security would be provided. He had said officers would be deployed along the route from Uhuru Park to Jacaranda Grounds and warned against disruption.

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