This archive report was first published on 5 July 2020.
Located along Melik Road in Kilimani Area, the former Orange House has been a significant landmark in Kenyan politics since its inception in 2005 as the headquarters of the Orange Democratic Movement.
However, in 2018, the party was evicted from the premises due to disagreements between the owner, Caroli Omondi, and ODM chairman John Mbadi.
According to sources, the eviction was a result of a long-standing feud between the two, with Omondi accusing Mbadi of rigging him and blocking him from contesting in the 2017 elections.
Despite the controversy, Omondi has maintained that he was unfairly treated and has since backed his own brother, Peter Ocholla, who contested against the ODM chair.
Interestingly, Omondi's past is intertwined with that of Raila Odinga, having served as his Chief of Staff in the office of the PM between 2008-13 and also as his PA for many years.
Now, the former Orange House has been chosen as the new home for Deputy President William Ruto's break-away faction from Jubilee, citing its popularity and ease of access.
