The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) held a rally dubbed "Nairobi ni ODM" at Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi East on Saturday. On the same day, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna led the Linda Mwananchi Movement on a mobilisation tour of Kwale county. The Star described the two events as parallel gatherings that reflect divisions within ODM after the death of former party leader Raila Odinga.
ODM leaders say the Nairobi rally is part of events marking the first anniversary of Raila's death. They deny it is an attempt to compete with Linda Mwananchi, Pulse Live Kenya reported. Still, the venue links the two. Linda Mwananchi, associated with Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo, drew large crowds at Jacaranda Grounds on September 13.
According to Pulse Live Kenya, ODM spent millions on the event, including billboards at strategic places in the city. The party used its grassroots machinery and brought in influential politicians, aspirants and cabinet secretaries. Politicians seeking elective seats in Nairobi also helped organise the rally. The outlet said party leaders were expected to push messages in line with ODM's direction for 2027. They were also expected to play down the threat of a united opposition defeating President William Ruto at the ballot.
Pulse Live Kenya traced the tension to Raila's memorial in Bondo. ODM figures who skipped it included Gladys Wanga, Hassan Joho, Junet Mohamed, Beatrice Elachi and Jalang'o, the outlet reported. Rival factions have also clashed openly, with "Tutam" and "Wantam" chants exposing splits over ODM's cooperation with Ruto's administration. The outlet said this left the Oburu Oginga-led faction needing to prove the party can mobilise supporters without its founder.
In Kwale, Sifuna refused an umbrella when rain fell during his address, The Star reported. He said he should not get special treatment while the crowd stood in the rain. "I was not made of sugar; I am made of soil. Even if the rains come pouring down, we will not melt," he said.
The Kwale tour had five scheduled stops. It started in Samburu Town and moved on to Kinango Town, Kombani Junction and Lunga Lunga Town, ending with a 3 pm rally at Ukunda Showground. The tour marks the movement's return to large county rallies after several weeks. Linda Mwananchi has already held gatherings in Mombasa and Taita Taveta and plans to reach all 47 counties. According to The Star, it wants to build a national grassroots network before engaging other opposition leaders on a joint strategy for 2027.