City-based lawyer Donald Kipkorir has weighed in on the chaos that disrupted the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) gathering at Nairobi's Jacaranda Grounds, questioning whether political crowds assembled through financial incentives represent genuine party support.
In a statement reacting to the incident, Kipkorir argued that political leaders should distinguish between genuine supporters and crowds mobilised through payments, organised transport and material inducements.
The lawyer suggested that the presence of large numbers of people at political rallies should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of a politician's popularity or grassroots support.
"When all who attend your rally have your party uniform, have been paid and some bused or brought by paid boda boda, you can't call them your supporters," Kipkorir stated.
He maintained that genuine political support should emerge naturally from people's convictions rather than financial or material benefits offered to secure attendance at public gatherings.
According to Kipkorir, political loyalty should be organic and should not depend on incentives provided by politicians or their organisers.
He used a comparison involving romantic relationships to illustrate his argument, saying financial transactions cannot establish genuine emotional commitment.
"Genuine support has no financial or material inducement and is organic. Paying for s*x doesn't make the relationship love," he added.
His remarks came after an ODM gathering at Jacaranda Grounds descended into confusion when unidentified individuals reportedly stormed the main stage, seized microphones and disrupted proceedings.
The incident forced several politicians and event organisers to abandon the platform as supporters scrambled for safety.
The gathering was part of activities marking the party's Mwezi wa Baba commemorations in honour of its late founding leader, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The disruption also came amid growing political disagreements within ODM over its relationship with President William Ruto's administration and the party's direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The differences have exposed competing political positions among senior party figures, particularly over whether ODM should continue cooperating with the government or maintain a stronger opposition stance.
Meanwhile, police confirmed the arrest of five suspects following allegations of phone theft during the gathering, with eight mobile phones reportedly recovered.
Kipkorir's intervention adds to the debate surrounding political mobilisation, party loyalty and the significance of public attendance at political rallies as parties position themselves for the next General Election.