The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party political rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi ended abruptly on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
This is after unidentified individuals took over the main stage and grabbed the microphone, forcing leaders and supporters to scramble for safety.
The confrontation interrupted proceedings as party leaders introduced themselves to thousands of supporters who had gathered at the venue.
One of the individuals who seized the microphone was heard telling the crowd, “Msitoroke,” as confusion spread and attendees began running in different directions.
ODM Bigwigs Forced to Flee After Jacaranda Grounds Chaos
The disruption reportedly followed disagreements involving political aspirants who attempted to access the main dais alongside their security personnel.
The situation escalated when unfamiliar individuals made their way onto the stage, interrupting the programme and taking control of the public address system.
Police officers later moved in to contain the confrontation as tensions spilled beyond the main stage, triggering running battles at the venue.
The meeting, organised as the climax of the month-long Mwezi wa Baba celebrations in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, had attracted considerable political attention amid growing disagreements over ODM’s future direction.
It had brought together senior ODM politicians and government officials to mark the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Among those present were 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 also attended the rally.
It was not immediately established whether anyone sustained injuries or was arrested during the confrontation.
The identities of those who disrupted the event and what triggered the clashes also remained unclear.
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Neither ODM nor Nairobi regional police had issued an official statement explaining the incident by the time of publication.
The disruption came a day after Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud assured ODM leaders of adequate security during the rally.
Mohamud had announced plans to deploy officers along the route from Uhuru Park to Jacaranda Grounds to oversee the movement of participants and prevent disruptions.
He also warned that security agencies would take action against individuals seeking to interfere with the gathering.
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