Mombasa Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Nassir has hailed the party for its all-inclusive stance, hailing its willingness to welcome dissenting voices.

In a statement shared via his X page after the party’s Delegate Conference in Kakamega County on Friday, July 25, 2025, Nassir lauded the party’s capacity to also foster democracy through heeding people with different viewpoints.

“In the ODM party, we believe in the power of democracy, not just as a slogan, but as a lived reality. We are a home for all voices, even those that challenge us. We do not fear debate; we embrace it. We do not silence dissent; we learn from it. 

“As Governor of Mombasa and Deputy Party Leader, I affirm this truth: Kenya’s healing will not come from echo chambers, but from the courage to listen—even when it hurts. 

Nassir further observed that such a stance remains key in not only strengthening the party but also placing it as a leader in the Kenyan political landscape. 

“Let us be bold enough to hear each other, wise enough to reflect, and united enough to chart a new path forward. That is how ODM will lead this country out of difficult times—together,” he added.

His remarks come after the party leader, Raila Odinga addressed the simmering dispute occasioned by SG Edwin Sifuna following a recent interview where he made explosive remarks regarding the party’s association with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

In yet another show of defense, Raila downplayed the SG’s comments, noting that he reserved the right to air his opinions as the party’s spokesperson.

Raila stated that his utterances were in line with the party’s position of defending the right to opinions and expression.

In @TheODMparty, we believe in the power of democracy – not just as a slogan, but as a lived reality. We are a home for all voices, even those that challenge us. We do not fear debate; we embrace it. We do not silence dissent; we learn from it.

As Governor of Mombasa and Deputy… pic.twitter.com/OH44UY5VOB

— Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir (@A_S_Nassir) July 25, 2025

Right to opinion

“We have to protect the rights of people to speak. If Sifuna has spoken, he has a right to speak. Let him speak. If you have a different opinion, say yours. That is the essence of democracy. I have not said anyone should not speak his mind. Even if I am wrong, you have a right to speak your opinion. We must uphold democracy in our party.

Sifuna, during a recent interview, lambasted the pact between Ruto and Raila signed on March 7, 2025.

The remarks followed his sustained onslaught on the government, which at one time prompted Raila to defend him, albeit with a warning to measure his words while on his offensive against the government. 

The Orange Party supremo further explained why he had not gone public to respond to the SG, stating that such a matter would be handled internally through the party structures

“If Sifuna talks. I will not answer him in the newspaper. I will wait for the party meetings, like the Central Party Committee and the NEC, where each sits and says what we have agreed on. So there is no problem with what Sifuna and others have said. Soon you will hear our stance as a party,” he stated. 

UDA-ODM MoU

Sifuna had painted a grim picture of the state of the UDA-ODM memorandum of understanding, noting that it was as good as dead, following the government’s violation of some of the 10-point agendas that formed the basis of the agreement.

However, Raila has indicated that the party will convene to review the progress of the implementation of the 10 points before making public their decision.

“He (Sifuna) is the mouthpiece of the ODM Party. There is nothing wrong with the remarks Sifuna made; we will sit as a party and give out a statement. ODM is a democratic party, and therefore must tolerate divergent views within our party,” Raila said.