ODM flood donations drive in Mathare interrupted by goons

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 as ODM party members, led by Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, delivered a consignment of donations for Mathare residents impacted by floods, in line with aid efforts coordinated by the ODM Disaster Response Committee.

Trouble started when the ODM team opted to address the gathering from the balcony of the office of the area's deputy commissioner.

As is the norm at local political events, the area MP Oluoch, took to the podium to address his constituents before ODM bigwigs in attendance like Sifuna and former Governors Ali Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, who both serve as the political outfit's Deputy Party Leaders, could do the same.

The gatecrashers were however not buying what Oluoch was selling, continuously jeering and interrupting his address.

Sifuna was forced to take over proceedings, rushing the program and giving Joho and Oparanya a chance to speak before dismissing the gathering.

ODM rolled out its first batch of donations for flood victims on Tuesday at Chungwa House, Nairobi, in a ceremony presided over by Joho and Oparanya.

This followed a Saturday announcement on the same.

"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.