Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader and Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir has backed the ODM and UDA working arrangement, saying that it stems from the shared reform agenda, particularly land reforms and the issuance of title deeds, commitments he said were in the late Raila Odinga’s political agenda.

Speaking in a meeting in Mombasa on Thursday, May 21, 2026, during the title deed issuance in the coastal area, Nassir said that the partnership between the two is designed to address the land injustice issues and enhance service delivery to the wananchi.

“In the manifesto of the late party leader Raila Amolo Odinga, mambo ya ardhi yalikuwa yamezungumzwa, and in your manifesto, mambo ya ardhi yakawa yamezungumzwa, and today, despite our colours being yellow and orange, we have come together to find a solution for our people,” Nassir said.

He turned down criticism of the political deal, pointing out that those detractors were misunderstanding Raila Odinga’s legacy and the land reform movement in general.

“To the people who are accusing other people of betraying the cause, you are the betrayer of the cause of Raila Amolo Odinga, who shed blood, shed tears and was in the jails for the sake of the land for this country,” Nassir added.

He also added that the administration of President William Ruto was now fulfilling the long-held expectation which had been part of the opposition agenda.

“It is, however, William Ruto under his leadership who is fulfilling a promise that cost Raila his job,” he said.

Rift within ODM

The remarks are coming on the heels of a growing rift in ODM over its partnership with the ruling UDA in a wide-ranging agreement.

The Linda Ground faction of the ODM has supported the partnership as it has been contributing to the speeding up of service delivery and the advancement of shared interests like land reforms and economic recovery.

The Linda Mwananchi camp has, however, disagreed, saying it might make it difficult to distinguish between opposition and government and dilute accountability.