Makadara MP George Aladwa /HANDOUT
ODM Nairobi chairman George Aladwa has denied claims that he and Governor Johnson Sakaja are plotting to disrupt a planned Linda Mwananchi political rally in the city on Sunday.
Aladwa said the political outfit was free to hold its activities in Nairobi, insisting that ODM had no intention of interfering with the rally or provoking confrontation between rival political groups.
“I wish to make our position as ODM Nairobi very clear. Linda Mwananchi is free to hold its rally and conduct its political activities in Nairobi,” Aladwa said in a statement on Friday.
The Makadara MP said ODM has not scheduled any parallel meeting in the city on Sunday that may lead to a potential clash between supporters of the two groupings.
His remarks came in response to claims by Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka that Aladwa and Sakaja were planning to disrupt the rally, allegations that have raised concerns over possible clashes between supporters of competing political formations.
In a statement, Aladwa said ODM Nairobi respected the constitutional right of political organisations to assemble, mobilise supporters and present their agendas to the public.
“As a democratic country, Kenya guarantees every political organisation and group the right to assemble, mobilise supporters and present its agenda to the people,” he said.
Aladwa said ODM had no reason to interfere with the rally, arguing that political competition should be based on ideas and policies rather than confrontations between supporters.
“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: “Nobody in ODM has any intention of disrupting or interfering with the Linda Mwananchi rally.”
The Makadara MP urged police to provide adequate security for the rally to ensure participants were protected and the event proceeded peacefully.
Aladwa also congratulated Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for his commitment to provide security during the gathering, saying the responsibility of maintaining order should not be left to political actors.
“Let them hold their rally. Let them tell Nairobi residents what they stand for and what they intend to offer Kenyans. The people are intelligent enough to listen to different political messages and make their own decisions,” he said.
The ODM county chairman sought to distance his party from the planned event, saying the party was focused on strengthening its structures and expanding its grassroots support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“Our focus as ODM Nairobi is elsewhere. We are currently engaged in an extensive programme to market and strengthen the party across Nairobi. We are rebuilding our grassroots structures, mobilising our supporters and preparing the party for the 2027 General Election,” Aladwa said.
He said ODM would not be distracted by activities of other political formations, adding that the party had its own programme and responsibilities to its supporters.
Aladwa also said ODM was preparing activities to commemorate the anniversary of the death of its former leader, Raila Odinga, whose contribution to Kenya’s democracy and constitutional reforms, he said, remained central to the party’s history.
He called on ODM supporters to remain calm and avoid being provoked into unnecessary confrontations.
“We have nothing to prove through disruption or violence,” he said, while urging Linda Mwananchi supporters to accord ODM similar respect.
“Nairobi belongs to all of us. It is a political capital where different voices and political formations must be allowed to operate freely and peacefully,” Aladwa said.
He maintained that ODM would continue with its own political activities, urging Nairobi residents to listen to competing messages and make independent choices.
