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Nancy Odindo is a Current Affairs Editor at TUKO.co.ke, covering political and world news. Odindo has over six years of journalism experience and joined TUKO.co.ke in 2023.
Kasarani Member of Parliament Ronald Karauri was heckled off the stage at an Orange Democratic Movement rally in Jacaranda, Embakasi East, Nairobi, on Saturday, October 31, after publicly announcing his intention to contest the Nairobi county gubernatorial seat in 2027.
Karauri, who is also the co-founder and CEO of SportPesa, addressed a large crowd of supporters dressed in party caps beneath ODM party banners and truss scaffolding at the event.
Simba Arati holds meeting with Nairobi ODM youths hours after goons disrupted Jacaranda rally
The rally, held to celebrate what speakers described as "the month of Baba" in honour of the late Raila Odinga, quickly turned turbulent as the crowd grew hostile toward the MP.
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In his address to the rally, Karauri acknowledged Raila's role in shaping his political career and expressed confidence that he would retain the backing of Nairobi residents heading into the next general election.
The disruption did not end with Karauri's reception. Suspected goons later stormed the venue and interrupted proceedings entirely, compelling several party leaders in attendance to flee for their safety.
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The incident reflects the unsettled state within ODM following the death of the former prime minister in October 2025, which left the party navigating significant internal divisions.
ODM has since announced it will not field a presidential candidate of its own in 2027, opting instead to back President William Ruto's re-election bid through the broad-based arrangement currently in place between the two political formations.
Karauri referenced this arrangement during his speech, stating that cooperation between the party and Ruto's administration would continue in Nairobi. His declaration of interest in the governorship, however, signals an early and contested scramble for ODM's support within the county ahead of the next polls.
Meanwhile, Kisii governor and ODM deputy party leader Simba Arati held a meeting with youths from all 17 ODM branches in Nairobi.
ODM confirmed the meeting, describing it as part of the party’s grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The party's move signalled a deliberate effort to deepen its organisational structures in Nairobi, a politically significant county that has historically been a battleground for competing political formations.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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