Governor Nassir. Photo: Courtesy
Mombasa Governor and ODM deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir has urged the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to formalize its working relationship with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as part of preparations for the 2027 general elections.
ODM and UDA have been collaborating through a broad-based arrangement established in 2024.
Nassir emphasized that while the current cooperation has yielded strategic gains, formalizing the alliance would strengthen coordination and clarify roles ahead of the polls.
“Leadership sometimes requires making hard, pragmatic choices guided by a clear reading of reality,” Nassir said.
He added that the proposal is informed by a realistic assessment of Kenya’s political terrain and the balance of forces, and is aimed at safeguarding the party’s interests while advancing its agenda.
According to Nassir, the coalition should prioritize partnerships with parties and leaders who demonstrate respect and tolerance.
“Politics is about choices. We must choose engagement over confrontation, strategy over sentiment, and outcomes over slogans,” he stated.
The governor framed the call as a long-term leadership responsibility, emphasizing the need for clarity and discipline in decision-making.
“This is what leadership demands: clarity, courage, and the discipline to act in the long-term interest of our people and our party,” he added.
ODM’s relationship with UDA reflects a broader trend in Kenyan politics where pre-election coalitions have become key tools for parties to consolidate influence, particularly in competitive counties.
The arrangement between the two parties has seen collaborative efforts in policy coordination and campaign strategy since 2024.
Party insiders are expected to consider Nassir’s proposal in the coming months, evaluating the benefits of a formalized coalition structure.
Strengthening ties with UDA could provide ODM with a coordinated strategy for both national and county-level contests, potentially shaping the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Nassir’s appeal shows the ongoing importance of coalition-building in Kenya’s multiparty system, highlighting strategic planning as a central element in securing political objectives and maintaining influence across the country.