Five suspects were arrested and eight mobile phones recovered after police launched an operation targeting criminals who allegedly took advantage of chaos at an ODM rally held at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi.
The arrests were made on the evening of October 31 after police officers from Starehe Sub-County responded to reports that members of the public had been robbed during the gathering.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), the suspects were apprehended during a swift operation conducted at the venue after officers received information that a group was preying on rally attendees amid the confusion that disrupted the political event.
Police said a search carried out on the suspects led to the recovery of eight mobile phones believed to have been stolen from members of the public who attended the rally.
The recovered mobile handsets were secured as exhibits as investigations continued to establish ownership and determine whether the suspects were linked to other theft incidents reported during political gatherings.
The suspects were subsequently placed in police custody pending their arraignment in court.
ODM Rally Descends Into Chaos
The arrests followed chaotic scenes at the ODM rally earlier in the day after a disruption interrupted speeches by leaders attending the event at Jacaranda Grounds.
The gathering, which attracted senior ODM officials and supporters, descended into confusion after individuals reportedly stormed the main dais, forcing organisers and attendees to scramble for safety.
Also Read: ODM Bigwigs Forced to Flee After Jacaranda Grounds Chaos
The disruption triggered panic among parts of the crowd and raised concerns about security arrangements at large political meetings.
Videos circulating on social media showed tense moments as organisers attempted to restore order while sections of the crowd moved away from the main stage area.
The rally was part of ODM political activities in Nairobi and drew a large turnout, creating an environment police believe criminals may have exploited to target unsuspecting attendees.
Police reported that the suspects allegedly used the large crowds gathered at the venue to carry out thefts before officers launched the operation that led to their arrest.
In a public social media post on his official X account on November 1, Raila Odinga Junior addressed the incident.
“This job is not easy. Everyone relax. I am learning every day. Thank you, ODM, for giving me an opportunity once again at the historic Jacaranda Grounds. Every moment is growth. Have a blessed day,” he stated.
Warning Over Crime at Political Gatherings
After the arrests, the National Police Service warned criminal groups against using political events to target members of the public.
Police said political rallies should not be turned into platforms for theft, harassment or other criminal activities and affirmed their commitment to maintaining law and order during lawful public gatherings.
“The National Police Service firmly reiterates that political rallies must never be used as a platform for criminal gangs to target, harass or steal from members of the public, and we remain fully committed to maintaining law and order during all lawful public gatherings,” the statement read.
The agency further urged members of the public attending political events to remain vigilant and watch their personal belongings closely, especially in crowded areas.
Debate Over ODM-UDA Deal Takes Centre Stage
The rally was also marked by renewed debate within ODM over the party’s relationship with President William Ruto’s administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.
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Party leaders used the gathering to discuss ongoing engagement between ODM and UDA, with some leaders calling for a formal cooperation agreement before backing the President’s re-election bid.
ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga told supporters the party was in talks to secure a written deal that would safeguard ODM’s political interests, while National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed argued the party deserved a greater share of government positions if it was to continue supporting the Kenya Kwanza administration.
However, Moses Kajwang’ took a different position, saying ODM should not attach conditions to its support, maintaining that President William Ruto had already demonstrated goodwill towards the party.
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