The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader, Abdulswamad Sheriff, has insisted that the political outfit must be part of the next government.

Speaking on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, after convening an engagement with the ODM Nyali branch, led by Chairman Tom Minya and Patron Said Abdallah, the Mombasa County Governor and the ODM brigade at large reaffirmed their collective belief that the Oburu Odinga-led political party must never again sit on the sidelines of power ahead of the 2027 general election.

Celebrating Odinga’s legacy

”For two decades, our party has shaped Kenya’s political direction, inspired justice movements, and produced leaders whose influence runs through every layer of government.”

“As we mark 80 years of Baba Raila Odinga’s life and 20 years of ODM’s transformative journey, our mission is clear — the Orange Democratic Movement must either form government or be part of government,” Abdulswamad Sheriff said.

In a meeting attended by Said Abdallah (Patron, Nyali), MCAs Fatma Kushe (Kadzandani), Milka Areba (Nominated), Athman Mwamiri (Likoni), Salim Mbaya (Timbwani) and Manuari Juma (Bofu), together with the ODM County Coordinating Committee led by Chairman Mohamed Khamis, the team agreed to chart the next chapter for the party’s journey to power.

”That is the duty of every member and supporter — to organise, mobilise, and build alliances that ensure ODM remains at the heart of decision-making in this country. Our people look to us for leadership, and we owe it to them to translate our ideals into power that delivers opportunity, equity, and dignity to all Kenyans,” the Mombasa Governor added.

While speaking in Kisauni on Monday, November 10, 2025, Abdulswamad Sheriff urged members and supporters of ODM in Kisauni to unite, emphasising the importance of solidarity as the party marks milestones in the legacy of its late leader, Raila Odinga.

Marking 20 years of ODM

He also highlighted the area as the birthplace of Raila Odinga’s political journey, where the late party leader earned the trust and support of the people that propelled him to national prominence. “In honour and beloved memory of our late leader, I called on our members to stand firmly behind ODM as we celebrate 80 years of Baba’s life and 20 years of impact on Kenya’s politics for our party,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, a section of the ODM party’s top leaders has hinted at breaking ties with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party in the broad-based government formation ahead of the 2027 general election.