Babu Owino urges peace ahead of Broad-Based Jacaranda rally

NAIROBI, Kenya - Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has called on organizers and attendees of Saturday’s Broad-Based Jacaranda rally to ensure a peaceful event, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding lives. Addressing the unveiling of the Linda Mwananchi Movement secretariat, Owino, as the elected representative of Jacaranda and Embakasi East Constituency, urged attendees to demonstrate their political rights without resorting to violence.

He expressed hope that participants would engage in a peaceful rally, adding that the well-being of the youth in Embakasi East was a priority. The MP also addressed the organizers, urging them to conclude their activities in a peaceful manner and assured that he would return later to assist with the cleanup. This rally follows a previous ODM gathering at the same location on September 13, 2026, where the Linda Mwananchi Movement, a faction opposing the party’s broad-based government, attracted a significant number of supporters.

Both Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Owino have been actively mobilizing residents across Nairobi’s 17 constituencies for the upcoming event. Phelix Odiwuor, MP of Lang’ata, is among the organizers of the October 31 rally, which aims to bolster support for the Oburu Oginga-led ODM, showcase the party’s organizational strength, and attract voters amid concerns about the party’s declining popularity.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has assured the ODM of sufficient security measures during the event, with officers positioned along the route from Uhuru Park to Jacaranda Grounds to ensure a peaceful and orderly assembly. Mohamud cautioned against any attempts to disrupt the gathering, stating that security forces would take necessary actions to uphold law and order.