{
  "id": 17347491,
  "title": "Oburu urged to address ODM Jacaranda rally as party closes Raila tributes",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/oburu-urged-to-address-odm-jacaranda-rally-as-party-closes-raila",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-31T05:50:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "People Daily Kenya",
    "slug": "people-daily-kenya",
    "url": "https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/oburu-urged-to-address-odm-jacaranda-rally-as-party-closes-raila-tributes"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is set to host a major rally at Nairobi’s Jacaranda Grounds on Saturday, October 31, marking the conclusion of their month-long tribute to the late Raila Odinga. In a message circulated ahead of the event, the party emphasized that all paths would lead to Jacaranda Grounds, encouraging attendees to come out and participate in the gathering dubbed Mwezi wa Baba. The party stated, \"Jacaranda grounds… All roads lead to this ground today… Mwezi wa Baba,\" signifying the finale of activities organized nationwide to commemorate the anniversary of Raila’s death. Senior party officials, elected leaders, grassroots representatives, and supporters from Nairobi and other regions are anticipated to attend the rally. ODM Nairobi chairman and Makadara MP George Aladwa confirmed preparations were finalized, projecting attendance to exceed 100,000 people from across the capital and other counties. He announced that the party had coordinated security arrangements with the police and put additional measures in place to ensure a peaceful event. Party leader Oburu Oginga, who has been recuperating from illness, has been requested to deliver a virtual address during the rally. The Jacaranda rally marks the culmination of a series of activities ODM organized throughout October, dedicating the entire month to celebrating Raila’s political legacy and his role in Kenya’s democracy and Pan-Africanism. The commemorative program began on October 2 with a nationwide candle-lighting ceremony, moving on to a memorial rally in Kakamega on October 9, and culminating in the main anniversary service on October 15 in Bondo, Siaya County, marking a year since Raila’s passing. Subsequent events were held in Garissa on October 17, the Coast region on October 18 and 19, Mashujaa Day on October 20, Kajiado on October 21, and Turkana between October 23 and 25. The final rally in Mararal, Samburu County, on Friday, October 30, paved the way for Saturday’s closing event. The commemorations aimed to encourage supporters to reflect on Raila’s political journey, reaffirm their commitment to his ideals, and strengthen ODM’s grassroots structures as political alignments ahead of the 2027 General Election continue to evolve. The choice of Jacaranda Grounds for the final rally is significant, as the venue was previously used by Sifuna and other leaders for a major rally on September 13, highlighting the competitive political landscape in Nairobi. ODM’s return to the grounds underscores the party's determination to maintain its political presence in the capital, even as it navigates ongoing negotiations with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) over a potential political arrangement ahead of the 2027 elections.",
  "summary": "The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced its readiness for a major rally at Nairobi’s Jacaranda Grounds on Saturday, October 31, as the party brings its month-long commemorations of its founding leader, the late Raila Odinga, to a close. In a rallying message shared ahead of the gathering on Saturday, October 31, 2026, ODM declared […]",
  "key_points": [
    "ODM plans Jacaranda Grounds rally on October 31 to conclude Raila Odinga tribute month",
    "ODM Nairobi chairman George Aladwa confirms attendance expected to exceed 100,000",
    "Oburu Oginga requested to deliver virtual address at final rally"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}