Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has dismissed claims that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has entered into a coalition agreement with President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
Speaking during a media interview on Monday, October 27, 2025, Governor Nassir clarified that ODM has not signed any formal coalition pact with the government, emphasizing that their engagement is issue-based rather than political.
“We actually do not have a coalition agreement. We never signed a coalition agreement. We never signed anything else,” Nassir said.
He explained that ODM’s cooperation with the Kenya Kwanza government is founded on a shared commitment to address key national challenges. The two sides, he noted, identified 10 priority issues affecting Kenyans and agreed to work together on their implementation.
“We sat down and said, these are the 10 issues affecting Kenyans let’s focus on fixing them. That is the basis of our engagement,” the governor added.
His remarks come amid speculation that ODM could be aligning itself with Kenya Kwanza ahead of the 2027 General Election. Nassir dismissed the claims, saying no political party exists merely to remain in opposition.
“There’s no political party in the world that is formed just to be in opposition,” he remarked.
ODM Leadership Transition
Following the death of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, ODM has embarked on a leadership transition marked by unity and continuity. The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) recently endorsed Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as acting party leader to guide ODM through this transitional phase.
During his endorsement on Friday, October 24, 2025, Oburu expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and pledged to uphold Raila Odinga’s legacy.
“I am proud of the trust you’ve given me. I promise not to let you down. This is not about uniting the Luo; it is about uniting Kenya,” he said.
The endorsement follows a series of consultations among party delegates, elected leaders, elders, and clergy from across Nyanza.
Looking Ahead to 2027
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna has affirmed that the party will field a presidential candidate in the 2027 General Election, though it remains uncertain whether that candidate will run alongside or against President Ruto.
Meanwhile, ODM has reiterated its intention to continue working with the Head of State on national development initiatives until 2027, even as discussions persist within the party about extending the partnership beyond the election year.
