Nairobi, October 31, 2026 – An Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rally at Nairobi’s Jacaranda Grounds descended into chaos on Saturday after suspected goons stormed the venue, forcing party leaders and supporters to flee for safety.
The disruption occurred during an event marking the first anniversary of the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the climax of the party’s month-long Mwezi wa Baba commemorations. Thousands of supporters had gathered at the grounds under the slogan “Nairobi ni ODM,” with senior figures including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed among those present or expected.
According to reports, the chaos began when unidentified individuals made their way onto the main dais and seized the microphone as leaders were introducing themselves. Some accounts indicate that aspirants attempting to access the stage with their security personnel triggered confrontations, which then escalated. Witnesses reported that one of the individuals who took the microphone told the crowd “Msitoroke” (do not run) as panic spread.
The situation quickly turned into scuffles and running battles. Police officers moved in to intervene, but the confrontation spilled over, sending supporters scrambling for safety. The rally ended abruptly, with leaders and attendees forced to leave the venue.
Earlier in the day, the grounds had filled with large crowds, and entertainment, including a performance by ohangla musician Prince Indah, had drawn enthusiastic responses. ODM Nairobi chairman George Aladwa had projected attendance of more than 100,000 people and said security arrangements had been coordinated with police.
The incident comes against a backdrop of internal party tensions over ODM’s direction, including its cooperation with the government and competition for influence in Nairobi ahead of the 2027 elections. The same venue hosted a Linda Mwananchi rally on September 13, 2026. Police had earlier warned against any attempts by groups to disrupt the gathering.
Investigations into the exact identities of those who stormed the stage and the full sequence of events are ongoing. No official casualty figures have been confirmed as of early evening.