Mombasa County Governor and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) deputy party leader Abullswamad Sheriff Nassir has hinted at working with the current administration, led by President William Ruto, until 2027.

Speaking on Friday, September 26, 2025, during the 20th anniversary ODM party in Kisii County, the Mombasa County boss said the country’s second most famous party will work with the present government, led by the ruling party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), until the next general election.

However, he made it clear that ODM will either form a coalition or go for the presidency and win it.

”Like Raila Odinga has said, from now on, ODM is in the broad-based government until 2027. And in the next election, we will refuse to be in the opposition. There are only two ways: either we enter into a coalition or we go for the presidency to win it. I dare any other political party in the country to emulate what ODM has done,” the governor reiterated.

Nassir also took the opportunity to hail former Prime Minister and ODM leader for the sacrifice he paid for the country to enjoy the current democracy.

Also watch: Anyang Nyong’o says ODM will have a presidential candidate in 2027.

ODM’s 20th anniversary

”We are here to celebrate 20 years of ODM. We are here to celebrate the journey of the father of modern-day democracy, Raila Odinga, 20 years of celebrating national leadership. In this period, ODM has produced leaders in different positions, but we have to understand the sacrifice that was made to form ODM,” Abdullswanad Nassir said.

The Mombasa Governor also warned against Raila Odinga’s political ideologies amid his decision to join forces with President William Ruto’s government.

”We want to warn those rising against Raila Odinga that his battalion is behind him. For those who do not know Raila Odinga, when his mother was being buried, Raila Odinga was in prison for fighting for the rights of Kenyans; that is why we are enjoying the democracy of today. Raila Odinga struggles with eye problems in such gatherings because of torture in jail,” Abdullswamad noted.

”Many tried to bribe Raila Odinga, but he remained firm for the sake of the current constitution, the constitution that gave us freedom of speech, the constitution that brought devolution. There was no freedom of speech, and there was no media freedom. It is only ODM, among many other political outfits, that has a national outlook. It is the only party that has rejected tribalism, the only party based on social democracy,” he added.

The ODM deputy party leader also conveyed the message of his boss, who did not travel to Kisii, saying the party will never be in the opposition again beyond the 2027 election.