South C MCA Abass Khalif is seeking the Lang’ata parliamentary seat in 2027.
The South C MCA says he mobilised hundreds for the Jacaranda rally as he prepares to seek the Lang’ata parliamentary seat in 2027.
South C MCA Abass Khalif says he mobilised hundreds of supporters for ODM’s rally at Nairobi’s Jacaranda Grounds. The mobilisation comes as he prepares to contest the Lang’ata parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.
The October 31 gathering concluded the party’s activities marking the first anniversary of former leader Raila Odinga’s death. ODM also used the rally to assert its political presence in Nairobi.
Khalif said supporters travelled from Lang’ata and other areas, describing their attendance as evidence of his organising capacity. He also presented the turnout as a sign of the party’s continued grassroots support.
Abass Khalif eyes ODM nomination
Khalif’s declared parliamentary ambition places him in the race for ODM’s nomination in Lang’ata ahead of 2027. His mobilisation efforts have also drawn attention within the party, an ODM official familiar with internal discussions said.
The official said senior party figures had noticed Khalif’s organising work. Some officials had suggested he could receive a direct ticket for the Lang’ata seat, the official added.
Meanwhile, Khalif urged ODM to sustain its outreach as preparations for the next election take shape. He argued that the Jacaranda turnout demonstrated the party’s continuing presence in Nairobi neighbourhoods.
For Khalif, the rally also offered an opportunity to highlight his constituency-level support as he seeks parliamentary office.
Unity message and rally clashes
Reflecting on the gathering, Khalif described the turnout as an expression of unity and loyalty among ODM supporters. He said the journey from Lang’ata to Jacaranda reflected solidarity with the party.
Although Odinga had died, Khalif said his political ideals and vision continued to guide the movement. He also argued that supporters carried that legacy through their unity, courage and determination.
However, Khalif downplayed the disorder that broke out after the rally, attributing it to rivalry between aspirants’ supporters. He said two camps had clashed as each sought to demonstrate greater strength.
Despite those clashes, he maintained that ODM retained strong support at all levels and remained focused on its future.
