Kenyans React as ODM Sends a Bold Message to Sifuna and Gachagua During Today’s Jacaranda Rally

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has fired back at Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua following their remarks about the Orange Democratic Movement’s political influence in Nairobi.

Speaking during ODM’s major rally at Jacaranda Grounds on Saturday, October 31, Mbadi dismissed claims that the party had lost its influence in the capital, insisting that ODM remained a powerful political force.

“SIFUNA na GACHAGUA walisema ODM imeisha NAIROBI, leo tumekuja kuwaonyesha bado tuko,” Mbadi declared.

His remarks came as thousands of ODM supporters gathered at Jacaranda Grounds for the final day of the party’s Mwezi wa Baba celebrations.

The choice of venue attracted attention because the same grounds previously hosted a major Linda Mwananchi Movement rally associated with Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and their allies.

The Linda Mwananchi gathering attracted large crowds, raising questions about ODM’s ability to maintain its traditional support in Nairobi following the growing political disagreements within the party.

Mbadi’s latest statement appeared to address that debate directly, with the Cabinet Secretary using the occasion to assure supporters that ODM had not lost its political footing in the city.

Several senior leaders attended Saturday’s gathering, including ODM party leader Oburu Oginga’s allies, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.

The rally also comes at a time when ODM is facing difficult political decisions over its relationship with President William Ruto’s administration and its position ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Meanwhile, Sifuna and his allies have continued building the Linda Mwananchi political movement, attracting attention across different parts of the country.

With both camps seeking to demonstrate their political strength, Nairobi has become an important battleground.

Will Mbadi’s message convince Nairobi residents that ODM remains firmly in control of the capital?

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