Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has called for peace ahead of ODM’s Jacaranda gathering.
The Embakasi East MP calls for a peaceful gathering as police promise security along the route from Uhuru Park.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has urged organisers and supporters to maintain peace during Saturday’s ODM Jacaranda rally. He warned against violence and any loss of life at the political gathering.
Speaking at the unveiling of the Linda Mwananchi Movement secretariat, Owino said residents must exercise their political rights peacefully. He also appealed to those attending the event to respect human life.
Owino calls for peaceful ODM Jacaranda rally
Owino reminded organisers that he represents Jacaranda and the wider Embakasi East constituency. He urged participants to hold their meeting peacefully, then leave the grounds without causing trouble.
The MP stressed that he did not want families in his constituency to lose children to violence. He also promised to return after the gathering to oversee cleaning at the venue.
Meanwhile, the rally follows a large Linda Mwananchi Movement gathering at the same grounds on September 13. A faction opposed to ODM’s broad-based government arrangement leads the movement.
Since that gathering, Owino and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna have intensified efforts to mobilise supporters across Nairobi’s 17 constituencies.
Organisers outline aims as police promise security
Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, one of the organisers, said the October 31 event aims to strengthen support for the Oburu Oginga-led ODM. The party also wants to demonstrate its organisational strength and attract voters amid concerns about declining popularity.
Meanwhile, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud assured ODM that police would provide adequate security during the gathering. He said officers would cover the route from Uhuru Park to Jacaranda Grounds to help participants move peacefully.
Mohamud also warned against attempts to disrupt the event. He said security agencies would take the necessary steps to maintain law and order during the gathering.
