ODM Nairobi chairman and Makadara MP George Aladwa/HANDOUT

...... ODM is set to flex its political muscle in Nairobi on Saturday, with thousands of delegates and supporters expected at Jacaranda Grounds for a mega rally marking the end of month-long commemorations of Raila Odinga’s death

The rally, which is expected to attract top party officials and politicians from across the country, will also provide a platform for political discussions as the Orange party positions itself ahead of the 2027 General Election.

ODM Nairobi chairman and Makadara MP George Aladwa said preparations for the event were complete, with more than 1,000 delegates expected from Nairobi alone.

Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi on Friday, Aladwa said the gathering would mark the climax of Mwezi wa Baba, a month dedicated to commemorating the first anniversary of Raila's death.

"Tomorrow (Saturday) will mark the culmination of the mourning of Baba that has been happening across the country this month. We will mark it at Jacaranda Grounds," Aladwa said.

"All the preparations for the event are complete. We expect to have over 100,000 delegates. We also have delegates from across the country who will attend the event."

The rally comes as ODM seeks to consolidate its support base and demonstrate its political strength in the capital ahead of the next elections.

Jacaranda Grounds has become a prominent venue for political mobilisation in Nairobi, making Saturday's gathering another test of the party's ability to draw supporters.

Aladwa said the meeting would not be limited to commemorating Raila's political legacy but would also provide an opportunity for leaders to discuss the party's political future.

"We are happy as ODM to remember Baba. People will also speak politics," he said.

The MP said Nairobi ODM lawmakers had held their final planning meeting on Friday to ensure the rally was successful.

He said the party had also engaged aspirants seeking various elective positions and welcomed them to participate in the gathering.

"We have had our last meeting of all Nairobi MPs today. We also had a meeting with all aspirants, and we welcome all of them," Aladwa said.

The Makadara MP thanked President William Ruto for supporting ODM during the month-long commemorations.

"I also want to support President William Ruto for supporting us during this Baba anniversary," he said.

Aladwa also praised the party leadership for bringing members together to honour Raila.

He singled out ODM leader Oburu Oginga, national chairperson Gladys Wanga and deputy party leaders Simba Arati and Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir for their roles in the commemorations.

He said Oburu, who is recovering from illness, had been requested to address Saturday's gathering virtually.

"We want to pray for the quick recovery of our party leader, Dr Oburu Oginga, and we have asked him to address us tomorrow through an online platform from his home," Aladwa said.

The MP also acknowledged the support of senior ODM figures Hassan Joho, Wycliffe Oparanya, John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi.

He said the party had received assurances of adequate security from the police.

Aladwa thanked Nairobi MPs, MCAs and party youth for their contribution towards organising the event.

He said the rally would be open to members of the public, including supporters who are not registered ODM delegates.

Throughout October, ODM officials have held meetings in various parts of the country to commemorate Raila's death and engage party supporters.

Saturday's gathering will bring those activities to a close, with attention expected to shift towards ODM's political direction and preparations for the 2027 polls.