The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is holding a rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday. The rally closes a month of events marking the first anniversary of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's death. Nairobi ODM chairman and Makadara MP George Aladwa told a press conference on Friday that preparations were complete.
The Standard quoted Aladwa as saying the party expects about 100,000 attendees from all 85 wards in the city. The Star quoted him as expecting more than 100,000 delegates in total, including delegates from across the country. The Star also reported that more than 1,000 delegates are expected from Nairobi alone. Aladwa said the rally is open to the public, including supporters who are not registered ODM delegates.
Aladwa also listed the routes delegates will use, warning of possible traffic disruption along them. According to The Standard, delegates from Lang'ata, Dagoretti South and Westlands will take Mombasa Road and the Southern Bypass to Jogoo Road, then continue to Jacaranda. Delegates from Mathare, Roysambu, Starehe and Ruaraka will use part of Thika Road and Outering Road. Delegates from Embakasi and Kasarani will act as hosts and receive the others.
Aladwa said police had assured the party of adequate security. He added that the party had also put its own measures in place to keep the day peaceful.
Aladwa said party leader Oburu Oginga had not fully recovered from illness. The party has asked him to address the crowd online from his home. "We want to pray for the quick recovery of our party leader," Aladwa said, according to The Star.
Aladwa said the rally would not only honour Raila's legacy. Leaders will also discuss the party's political future. "People will also speak politics," he said. He said Nairobi MPs held their final planning meeting on Friday. The party also met aspirants for various elective seats and invited them to attend.
Aladwa thanked President William Ruto for supporting ODM during the commemorations. He also praised national chairperson Gladys Wanga and deputy party leaders Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir. The Star reported that ODM officials held meetings around the country throughout October. Attention is now expected to shift to the party's plans for the 2027 polls.