The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has ruled out holding a competing political rally in Nairobi on Sunday, September 13, the same day as the Linda Mwananchi movement.
On September 11, ODM Nairobi chairperson George Aladwa said the party had not planned to hold a parallel meeting in Nairobi.
Aladwa also said ODM is focusing on rebuilding its grassroots structures and preparing its own political program ahead of the 2027 General Election.
His clarification came as political attention shifted to whether the two sides would test their support in Nairobi, historically one of ODM’s strongest political bases.
“As the ODM party members, we have no problem with the rally; every person has the right to hold a rally and seek public support. As the ODM Nairobi Chairperson, I confirm to those asking that ODM has not planned to hold a rally in Nairobi,” George Aladwa stated on September 11.
Also Read: Truth Behind Orengo and Babu Owino Isolating Edwin Sifuna and Forming a New Linda Mwananchi Party
Linda Mwananchi Nairobi Rally
Linda Mwananchi notified the public about its Nairobi rally on September 2, with Sifuna sharing a poster announcing the September 13 event under the theme “Back to base.”
The highly publicized rally has been dubbed Sifuna’s political homecoming to Nairobi at Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi East, following activities and mobilization across the city.
Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo confirmed that the outfit, led by Sifuna,a, Babu Owino, James Orengo, and others will hold the September 13 rally in Nairobi.
“Nairobi has always been the epicenter of change and transformation of our country. So this feels a lot like a homecoming for the entire team. We will start with a church service before proceeding to Jacaranda grounds with a few stops along the way to greet the people as we have done elsewhere,” Faith Odhiambo said.
While ODM has denied plans to interfere with the rally, Odhiambo argued that Linda Mwananchi had received credible reports that goons had been mobilized to interrupt political meetings.
On the other hand, Zaheer Jhanda, a Member of Parliament for Nyaribari Chache, denied claims that the Sifuna movement threatened the Broad-Based government.
The lawmaker, an ally of President William Ruto, argued that his sponsors pushed the rally and claimed that without their support, the movement could not sustain itself.
“What threat do they pose to us? Absolutely no threat. This is a sponsored movement for someone. If the sponsor decided today to o withdraw his sponsorship, then what happens to them?” Zaheer questioned.
PPDT Case Hangs over Linda Mwananchi party plans
Despite the movement confirming it will hold the rally, the Linda Mwananchi is yet to resolve whether it will transform or operate through its own political party.
According to Faith Odhiambo, the matter relating to the movement’s political vehicle remained before the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal.
She said Linda Mwananchi was awaiting the final determination of the case and had contingency plans if the outcome did not go in the movement’s favor.
Also Read: Linda Mwananchi Politician Seeks Medical Help After Attack by Goons
Public Reactions to ODM Rally Cancellation
The decision not to hold a parallel ODM rally has raised mixed public reactions on social media.
Some supporters of Sifuna welcomed the prospect of Linda Mwananchi proceeding without an ODM counter-event.
Fabrizio Kipchumba argued ODM never announced a rally; rather, the newspapers created it.
Others mocked the reported change in plans, questioning why the ODM was running from the rally on September 13, while others held that the ODM rally could not draw 100 people with Sifuna holding a rally on the same day.
Additionally, some raised concerns about the possibility of rival supporters appearing at the same venue, with some referring to “goons” and warning against attempts to cause disruption.
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