‘The Raila spirit’ – MP Oundo explains why Linda Mwananchi chose Jacaranda for Nairobi rally

Funyula Member of Parliament Wilberforce Oundo provided insight into Linda Mwananchi's choice of Nairobi's Jacaranda Grounds for their recent political rally, attributing the decision to reclaim the capital's opposition political space once dominated by the late Raila Odinga. Oundo explained on a local TV morning show that Jacaranda Grounds was one of the frequent venues used by the late former Prime Minister for major political gatherings in Nairobi.

He stated, "We brought the spirit of Baba Raila Amollo Odinga to his home turf of Nairobi. We wanted to tell the people of Kenya that we have inherited the spirit and the numbers of Baba Raila Amollo Odinga."

The MP highlighted Jacaranda's significance in the broader strategy of Linda Mwananchi and its allies to establish themselves as a major opposition force ahead of the 2027 General Election. He emphasized that Jacaranda held particular importance as it was one of the two locations where Raila typically mobilized his supporters, alongside a Kibra field.

Oundo explained, "It was significant for us to go to Jacaranda because whenever Baba wanted to do anything, the only two places he would go to: Jacaranda or the field in Kibra."

The Funyula MP aimed to reconnect with Nairobi residents during the rally, assessing the reception to their political message in an area once considered an ODM stronghold. He noted, "For us, we chose to start in Jacaranda, to lay our claim on Nairobi." Oundo argued that the political landscape in Nairobi had shifted since Raila's death, creating opportunities for other opposition formations to compete for influence.

He claimed, "ODM used to have a significant presence in Nairobi County, and therefore we came to reclaim our share," adding, "The Nairobi ODM is dead in Nairobi."

Oundo further criticized the current leadership of ODM, claiming it had failed to maintain Raila's political influence in the capital. He stated, "The Nairobi ODM is dead in Nairobi," and expressed the movement's disassociation from ODM: "ODM, we are sorry to say this, bye-bye from Nairobi and many parts of this country." He attributed the party's decline to political self-interest, accusing some ODM leaders of killing Raila's legacy and spirit in Nairobi.

Oundo concluded by stating that Linda Mwananchi's Nairobi rally was part of a broader campaign to take its political message to major urban centers across Kenya, aiming not only to unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 election but also to push for a broader political and economic reset.