A storm is brewing after a senior Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) politician was accused of hastily assembling hired goons and parading them as ODM Youth League members at a Nairobi hotel in what sources describe as a staged and desperate press conference.
Multiple sources on the ground allege that the individuals, some reportedly ferried in from Jacaranda and Bunge La Mwananchi, were spotted loitering around the hotel wearing ill-fitting oversized suits and clutching scribbled talking points — allegedly preparing to pose as “ODM youths” in a bid to salvage the politician’s collapsing political standing.
The alleged scheme comes in the wake of the meteoric rise of a self-declared CEO and founder of the Omoh Foundation, whose entry into the parliamentary race has reportedly shattered the politician’s hopes of clinching the seat.
Residents say the politician, rattled by waning influence, has resorted to dirty politics, including orchestrated smear campaigns aimed at watering down the CEO’s growing popularity.
“This man has changed lives quietly, without noise,” said a resident. “While others were busy planning press conferences, the CEO was on the ground helping families, youths, and the vulnerable.
That is leadership.”
Sources further claim that cash inducements were dished out ahead of the planned press briefing to ensure the hired group aggressively attacks the CEO’s character — an allegation that has sparked outrage among residents who view the move as an insult to their intelligence.
“They think we are stupid,” another resident said angrily.
“You cannot bribe people to lie and expect us to forget what we have seen with our own eyes. Whatever the cost, we are standing with the CEO.”
In recent weeks, the Omoh Foundation CEO has stepped up humanitarian activities across the constituency, providing assistance to struggling households, empowering youths, and supporting grassroots initiatives — efforts residents say have exposed the emptiness of career politicians who only surface during election seasons.
“The people have already decided,” said another resident. “No amount of character assassination will change that.”
By the time of publication, the implicated politician had not responded to requests for comment, nor had ODM issued a clarification regarding the alleged impersonation of its youth league.
As tensions rise, residents are warning that staged theatrics and smear tactics will not silence the will of the people — and that the era of manufactured politics may finally be coming to an end.