Speaking during the Coastal Salute event held in Kikambala, Kilifi County, on Wednesday, January 7, ODM Deputy Party Leader and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sharrif Nassir said the Coast remains cohesive despite ongoing national political debates and internal party discussions.
Governor Nassir noted that consultations among Coast leaders are ongoing and are being conducted in a calm, inclusive and respectful manner, contrary to claims suggesting fragmentation within the party’s regional base.
“As leaders from the Coast, we are speaking with one voice. We are consulting internally and engaging each other maturely on the political direction of our region as we look toward 2027,” Nassir said.
The remarks were made as ODM leaders, supporters, friends and family gathered to commemorate the late party leader Raila Odinga on what would have been his 81st birthday.
Odinga, who passed away last year, is widely credited with shaping ODM into a dominant political force, particularly in the Coast region where the party has enjoyed consistent support since its formation in 2005.
Nassir praised Coast leaders for maintaining unity during a period of political transition, describing the region as disciplined and focused on long-term development rather than short-term political disagreements.
He singled out Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Ali Joho for his role in anchoring unity at the Coast, describing him as a son of the region whose leadership has helped steady the party during a reflective moment.
“CS Joho has provided guidance and stability at a time when unity matters most. The Coast remains firm and organised,” Nassir said.
Addressing ODM’s position within the broader national political landscape, the Mombasa governor reiterated that the party remains committed to the broad-based government arrangement championed by Raila Odinga before his death.
He said ODM supporters should remain grounded in the political space and values that Odinga left behind, while remaining pragmatic in assessing future political engagements.
“Our political engagements must be based on shared values. We believe in devolution, transparency, accountability and governance that puts the people first,” Nassir stated.
He added that ODM would only work with partners who respect these principles and are genuinely committed to strengthening devolved governance and public participation.
Nassir dismissed suggestions that internal discussions within ODM should be mistaken for disunity, saying consultation is a sign of political maturity rather than weakness.
“The Coast’s greatest strength is unity. We will continue consulting and engaging in a way that protects stability, promotes development and safeguards the long-term interests of our people,” he said.
The Coastal Salute event brought together ODM leaders from across the region, reinforcing the party’s influence at the Coast amid ongoing national political realignments.
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