The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced a major political rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday, October 31, 2026, as political competition intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, announced the planned gathering on Saturday, October 17, through a social media post accompanied by an ODM campaign poster declaring Nairobi the party’s political stronghold.
“Habari ndio hio!! 31st Jacaranda!! Nairobi ni ODM!” Jalang’o wrote.
The poster, bearing the slogan “NAIROBI NI ODM,” identified Jacaranda Grounds as the venue for the rally, which is expected to bring together party supporters and leaders in the capital.
The announcement comes amid growing political realignments within ODM following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, with Nairobi emerging as a key battleground for rival factions seeking to consolidate grassroots support ahead of the 2027 polls.
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga had earlier announced plans for a major Nairobi gathering on October 31 to mark the culmination of activities organised under the Mwezi wa Baba commemorations in honour of Raila.
Wanga said the party had organised events across different parts of the country throughout October before returning to Nairobi for the final rally.
The commemorative programme included a candle-lighting vigil at Uhuru Park on October 2, marking the first anniversary of Raila’s death.
The activities were organised to celebrate the former prime minister’s political legacy and bring together supporters who continue to identify with his vision and leadership.
The planned Jacaranda rally is therefore expected to serve both as a commemorative gathering and an opportunity for ODM to reaffirm its political presence in Nairobi.
ODM’s choice of Jacaranda Grounds has drawn attention because the venue hosted a rally organised by the Linda Mwananchi movement on September 13, 2026.
The movement, associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, held the gathering after a mobilisation tour through several Nairobi markets and neighbourhoods.
The rally attracted attention amid disagreements within ODM over cooperation with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the party’s political direction ahead of the next General Election.
Leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi have used public gatherings to advance their political message, while sections of the ODM leadership continue to organise activities under the party’s official programme.
ODM Nairobi chairman George Aladwa had previously indicated that the party would not interfere with the September gathering, maintaining that political competition should be driven by ideas and policies rather than confrontation.
The October 31 rally comes as political leaders intensify efforts to mobilise supporters in Nairobi, a county whose large electorate makes it a crucial arena for national political contests.
With competing camps seeking to influence the direction of post-Raila politics, the capital has become an important testing ground for political mobilisation and the strength of rival formations.
The planned gathering will provide ODM with an opportunity to rally its supporters, reinforce its presence in the capital and communicate its political message as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.
Attention will now turn to the scale of mobilisation at Jacaranda Grounds and the messages party leaders deliver as political competition within and beyond ODM continues to unfold.
