Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has invited members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) with differing opinions over the party leadership or related concerns to come out and dialogue

While commenting on the division of opinions within the party on Wednesday, December 25, 2025, Nassir expressed confidence that the veteran party will weather the storm and disappoint the people hellbent on seeing the party disintegrate.

Constructive approach

He urged all leaders to take a lead in championing the peaceful engagement and resolution of differences.

“We will not allow our party @TheODMparty to be weakened from within. This party belongs to its members, and as leaders, we bear a responsibility to safeguard their interests and to act in the best interests of our country. If there are differing views or proposals, let them be presented openly and constructively, just as we openly declared our intention to form the government. Leadership demands honesty, courage, and accountability, not concealment,” he stated.

The governor, who has been a proponent of extending the broad-based government within the Kenya Kwanza government, further reiterated that the party will not be exiting the arrangement.

“In 2027, we will redeem this country while inside the government. Soon we will be giving the direction we will take, and I want to ask those of the opinion that we start talks with Ruto’s government ahead of the 2027 polls. We cannot be in opposition forever,” he stated.

Oburu on doublespeak in ODM

Nassir’s statement comes days after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Oburu Odinga, warned against conflicting statements among party members, especially after agreeing on a specific direction.

Speaking on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, Oburu stated that once the ODM party sits down and agrees on a specific direction to take, members should move in unison and speak with one voice.

“Siwezi sema najua kila kitu, ama nikisema ati left ni left, lazima tuconsult na watu wetu, lakini tukisha consult, na tumeshakubaliana, ati hii ndio policy ya chama, kila mtu aseme hio language, isiwe tukitoka hapo, huyu anasema language yake, huyu yake.” Oburu said.

The Siaya senator, who took over the party leadership position after Raila Odinga’s death, emphasised that he is a consultative leader who involves party members and the leadership in discussions before any agreement is reached.

However, he made it clear that once a consensus is achieved, all members should adhere to the agreed path.