ODM Says It Will Not Interfere With Linda Mwananchi Rally in Nairobi

ODM has said it will not interfere with a planned Linda Mwananchi rally in Nairobi this weekend, urging the rival group to show the same restraint.

ODM Nairobi chairman George Aladwa, who is also Makadara MP, said the party recognised the constitutional right of political organisations to assemble and mobilise supporters. Aladwa said ODM had no intention of disrupting Linda Mwananchi’s activities in the capital, adding that voters could hear different political messages and make their own decisions.

“As ODM Nairobi, we have no business interfering with their rally, and we will not interfere with their activities. They have a right to speak to Nairobi residents, just as ODM has the right to engage the people and advance our political agenda,” he said.

He added that Kenyans were “intelligent enough to listen to different political messages and make their own decisions”. Aladwa also commended Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja for his commitment to providing security during the rally. He said adequate security would help prevent political competition from turning into confrontation.

His remarks come amid tensions between ODM and Linda Mwananchi, a splinter group associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. Recent rallies linked to the group have been marred by violence in parts of Nyanza. Aladwa said ODM’s focus in Nairobi remained on commemorating the anniversary of the late Raila Odinga and that the party would not be distracted by rival political formations.

“We are not going to be distracted by the activities of other political formations. We have our own political programme and responsibilities to our members and supporters,” he said.