A planned Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) address in Mathare descended into chaos on Wednesday when some rowdy youth stormed the venue brandishing placards denouncing area MP Anthony Oluoch.
This came when ODM party members, led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, delivered an consignment of donations to Mathare people affected by flooding, as part of the ODM Disaster Response Committee’s humanitarian operations.
The trouble began when the ODM team chose to address the gathering from the balcony of the deputy commissioner’s office in the region.
As is normal at local political events, Oluoch, the area MP, stepped to the podium to address his constituents before ODM bigwigs in attendance such as Sifuna and former Governors Ali Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, who also serve as the political outfit’s Deputy Party Leaders, could do so.
The gatecrashers were however not buying what Oluoch was selling, continuously jeering and interrupting his address.
Sifuna was compelled to take over the proceedings, expediting the program and allowing Joho and Oparanya to speak before dismissing the audience.
ODM distributed its first batch of donations to flood victims on Tuesday at Chungwa House in Nairobi, in a ceremony presided over by Joho and Oparanya.
This followed a Saturday pronouncement on the subject.
“On Tuesday, May 14 at 10 am, we will be flagging off this consignment at Chungwa House. Our major appeal is for packed maize flour, rice, beans, and cooking oil for food items. For non-food items, we request blankets, mattresses, and housing prefabs,” the party said then.
“Let us stand with the great people of Kenya during this difficult time.”
Kenyans looking to join the cause have been directed to deliver all donations at Chungwa House, with the party insisting that the contributions will benefit all Kenyans irrespective of their political affiliations.
