By Shadrack Nyakoe
Tensions flared violently this evening at the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Founder’s Dinner, as a section of party delegates protested being denied access to the venue, sparking scuffles and a heated showdown. The night, meant to celebrate the party’s legacy, was instead overshadowed by chaos and accusations of state interference.
According to eyewitnesses, security personnel believed to be state agents were deployed in heavy numbers outside the event hall. Some party delegates claimed they were stopped at entry points and barred from joining the gathering. The frustration quickly boiled over shouts of “this is our party” rang through the air, and at certain points, the confrontation turned physical.
“I was just told I couldn’t go in because they had orders,” one upset Nairobi MCA told our reporter on phone. “They didn’t even check our credentials. It felt like we were being locked out deliberately.”
As tempers flared, several attendees began exchanging insults. Some party faithful accused the security forces of bullying and intimidation, calling it a deliberate move to sideline dissenters. Others, however, noted that the situation remained under the control of event security until the doors were eventually forced open for some, though not all.
Adding to the drama, the acting party leader Oburu Odinga was present at the dinner, though reports suggest he remained largely insulated from the unfolding drama. His presence, however, did little to calm nerves among disgruntled delegates, who felt their voices were being suppressed even within the party’s own ranks.
The incident could reflect deeper tensions within ODM as the country approaches campaigns and elections. “This could be more than a security lapse or poorly planned guest list,” the MCA noted. “We may be witnessing signs of internal splitlines or interference from outside actors as you may have witnessed from the key speakers during the day’s speeches.”
The disruption at what should have been a unifying event raises serious questions about the balance of power within ODM and whether the party can truly celebrate the late Hon. Raila Odinga’s legacy while being embroiled in such public discord.
