ODM to Stay put in Broad Based Government, Insists Governor
ODM deputy party leader (DPL) and Mombasa County governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir. with Kwale leaders at Msambweni. (Photo By George Otieno)
By George Otieno
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
The Orange Democratic Movement is in broad-based government to stay until the next general elections in 2027.
This is the assertion of deputy party leader (DPL) and Mombasa County governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir.
He rebukes all those who bash or criticise ODM for joining the government in every public rally he attends dismissing such people as who do not wish Kenya well.
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the DPL told a party delegates meeting in Msambweni of Kwale County, his party and leadership put the country first that was why it joined the Kenya Kwanza ruling party to prevent disintegration, lawlessness and anarchy in the nation.
According to him Kenya has had unfortunate experience including bloodshed during polls akin to 2007, thus, defending the party working relations with government.
The party, he says, did what is best for the country and not for individual’s interests.
“Today some decisions we take are not popular but necessary. We know the history of our country when it comes to elections.”
The county boss said broad-based government was necessary to prevent the country falling into military take over.
“The army couldn’t have delayed to take over the country but we asked ourselves questions. Look at all of Africa, there is no country where the military took over and later allowed elections to take place.”
According to him military take overs of running country affairs comes with a dose of painful activities alleging that the chaos that should have ensured would have caused lives and destruction of properties and livelihoods.
Supporting party leader Raila Amolo Odinga’s statement that the party will be in government until 2027, Nassir said thereafter it would decide whether to field a presidential candidate or not.
“Even a fisherman looks at the condition of his net, before casting it into the ocean. Sometimes we are forced to make decisions that are not popular but necessary.”
The DPL told off the young generation, popularly referred as GenZees, for constantly criticising its leader and party for joining the government.
He added that the young people would come to understand and realise the sacrifices made by their elderly leaders.
“Raila has fought for this country. His car has been shot at as he led protests. In future these young people will understand why some decisions are taken, for now they might not understand the wisdom.”
Recently, the ODM leader Odinga urged party members to exercise restraint when speaking on the party’s political plans ahead of the 2027 polls.
He discouraged members from speaking on the party’s plans for the next general elections insisting that they should remain aligned on its political strategy.
On ODM 20-year-anniversary celebrations, Nassir said plans were in top gear and events would be spread into three days starting October 10th with several activities lined up.
