ODM Nairobi chairman George Aladwa has pushed back against Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s claims that he and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja are working to derail the Linda Mwananchi rally, declaring that ODM has no plans to turn Sunday’s political gathering into a contest of rival supporters.
Aladwa said Linda Mwananchi should be allowed to hold its rally and sell its political message to Nairobi residents, while dismissing suggestions that ODM had organised a parallel event to challenge the group.
“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 had no meeting planned for Nairobi on Sunday that would bring its supporters into contact with those attending the Linda Mwananchi event.
His statement followed claims by Kalonzo that Aladwa and Sakaja were behind plans to disrupt the rally, raising fears that supporters of competing political camps could clash during the gathering.
Aladwa instead presented ODM as committed to allowing rival political groups to operate freely in the capital, saying political organisations should be able to mobilise supporters and put their ideas before voters.
“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.
He said ODM had no interest in interfering with Linda Mwananchi, arguing that political battles should be fought through competing programmes and policies rather than clashes 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.
Aladwa was categorical that no member of ODM had been assigned to disrupt the gathering.
“Nobody in ODM has any intention of disrupting or interfering with the Linda Mwananchi rally.”
Rather than engage in the political dispute surrounding the rally, Aladwa called on the police to take charge of security and ensure those attending the event are protected.
He also praised Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja for committing to provide security during the gathering, saying political leaders should not be expected to take over the role of maintaining order.
“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.
Aladwa said ODM Nairobi had its attention fixed on strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 General Election, rather than responding to programmes organised by other political formations.
“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 the party would continue with its own programme and work on expanding its support base across Nairobi, maintaining that it would not allow the activities of other groups to divert its attention.
The ODM county chairman also disclosed that the party was preparing activities to mark the anniversary of the death of its former leader, Raila Odinga.
Aladwa said Raila’s role in Kenya’s democratic struggle and constitutional reforms remained an important part of ODM’s history.
He further appealed to ODM supporters to remain composed and avoid any confrontation with members of other political groups.
“We have nothing to prove through disruption or violence,” he said, while also asking Linda Mwananchi supporters to show ODM the same respect.
Aladwa said Nairobi should remain open to different political voices, particularly as parties and political formations position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
“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 mobilisation in the city and urged residents to hear out competing political messages before deciding which side to support.