No coalition deal between ODM and Kenya Kwanza, says Mombasa governor

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has dismissed claims that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has entered into a coalition with the Kenya Kwanza government.

Speaking during an interview on NTV on Monday, October 27, 2025, Nassir clarified that the relationship between ODM and the national government is not based on any formal coalition pact.

According to the governor, the party has not signed any agreement with President William Ruto’s administration, contrary to reports circulating in some quarters.

“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, previously led by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, only agreed to cooperate with the Kenya Kwanza administration on specific national issues.

“We have an agreement that there are 10 issues affecting Kenyans. We listed them, sat down, and said, let’s implement these issues,” he added.

Nassir’s remarks come amid speculation that ODM could be considering a political partnership with the ruling coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.

He noted that ODM’s engagement with the government is focused on policy and national interests rather than politics or power-sharing.

“There’s no political party in the world that gets formed for the purpose of being in the opposition,” he said.

As ODM adjusts to life after the passing of its leader, Raila Odinga, the party has emphasised unity and continuity.

In a recent meeting, ODM leaders endorsed Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga as the acting party leader.

The endorsement came during a gathering of delegates, elected leaders, elders, and religious leaders from across Nyanza, marking a key step in the party’s transition and efforts to consolidate its base.

Speaking during the event on Friday, October 24, 2025, Oburu expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him.

“I am very proud of my people. I am proud that you have given me this support. I promise not to let you down. This is not about uniting the Luo; it is about uniting Kenya,” he said.

The decision followed a unanimous resolution by the National Executive Committee (NEC), which appointed Oburu to steer the party during the transitional period.

His appointment comes amid public debate over ODM’s future direction, with some observers speculating about the party’s evolving relationship with the government.

However, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has maintained that the party will field its own presidential candidate in the 2027 elections.

Sifuna reiterated that ODM’s cooperation with the government is restricted to implementing agreed-upon development issues and does not amount to a political merger.

Meanwhile, ODM has indicated that it will continue working with the government on shared policy goals until 2027, even as internal discussions continue on the nature of the collaboration beyond the next election.