Africa-Press – Kenya. Mombasa County Governor and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has publicly encouraged his party to explore a formal pre-election coalition with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of Kenya’s 2027 general election.
In a statement and video shared on his official X account on Monday, December 29, 2025, Governor Nassir discussed his views on the political landscape and the strategic choices he believes ODM should consider.
The governor highlighted that leadership involves clear thinking, pragmatism, and decisive action.
“Leadership sometimes requires making hard, pragmatic choices guided by a clear reading of reality,” Nassir wrote.
He added that such decisions should be based on a sober assessment of the political terrain and the balance of forces.
The governor emphasised that effective political engagement often involves collaboration rather than confrontation.
“Politics is about choices,” he wrote, urging party leaders to prioritise strategy over sentiment and outcomes over slogans.
While he did not outline specific terms for a proposed coalition, Nassir stressed the importance of mutual respect and cooperation between potential partners.
He said any alliance should be built in good faith, focusing on practical results for supporters rather than symbolic gestures.
Governor Nassir’s public appeal reflects a push within ODM to engage flexibly with other parties as Kenya approaches the 2027 general election, where coalition-building is increasingly viewed as crucial to securing governing majorities.
His comments come a day after President William Ruto indicated the possibility of forming a political alliance with the ODM party as he prepares to defend his seat in the 2027 general election.
Ruto suggested that he is open to working with ODM by establishing a pact ahead of the elections.
Current ODM leader Oburu Oginga has emphasised that the party’s engagement with President Ruto remains limited to the broad-based government framework until 2027.
Speaking at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay town during the Genowa Governor’s Cup, an annual tournament organised by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga on Sunday, Ruto said preparations were underway to explore modalities for a potential political alliance.
He noted that his party, UDA, is developing a roadmap that could allow for cooperation with ODM, while also urging ODM leaders to focus on strengthening their party to remain competitive.
Ruto added that he is consolidating UDA and the Kenya Kwanza Alliance to enhance their prospects in the 2027 elections.
