Clashes break up ODM rally in Nairobi
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Kenyans.co.ke
An Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rally descended into chaos in Nairobi when suspected goons stormed the platform, forcing leaders and participants to flee. Police intervened after clashes at the ceremony marking the first anniversary of Raila Odinga’s death, according to Kenyans.co.ke.
An ODM rally, the Kenyan political party Orange Democratic Movement, was interrupted by clashes on Saturday 31 October at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi, forcing officials and participants to flee, reports Kenyans.co.ke.
Tensions began when some candidates tried to access the main platform with their security teams. Unknown individuals then took the microphone as party leaders were arriving, before police intervened and thousands of participants gave chase, according to Kenyans.co.ke. The rally marked the first anniversary of the death of Raila Odinga, a former Kenyan prime minister.
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga, the party’s deputy chairperson Simba Arati, Cabinet Secretary for the Treasury John Mbadi, Cabinet Secretary for Mining Hassan Joho and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja were among the officials present. Nairobi regional police commander Issa Mohamud had announced the previous day that officers would be deployed between Uhuru Park and Jacaranda Grounds to secure the procession, reports Kenyans.co.ke.
