Africa-Press – Kenya. Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir is calling for an urgent meeting of his Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party to address ongoing internal disagreements.
Nassir, who serves as ODM deputy party leader, said he has petitioned party leader Oburu Oginga to convene a Central Management Committee (CMC) meeting to discuss the current fallout among senior officials.
“As Deputy Party Leader, I have requested my party leader, Oburu Oginga, to urgently convene the CMC meeting,” Nassir said.
“The meeting will decide the party’s position regarding the 2027 elections and relations with the government.”
The ODM party has been divided over its approach toward President William Ruto’s re-election bid following the death of party leader Raila Odinga in October 2025. Some top officials support engaging with President Ruto, while others prefer a different path.
ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Deputy Party Leader and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and Siaya Governor James Orengo are among those cautious about joining a coalition with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The disagreements intensified during the festive season after statements by some party members. Sifuna responded to these comments, and Junet Mohamed issued a statement denying claims related to the management of party resources.
Nassir emphasised that the party has received a clean audit from the Auditor General and urged members to focus on constructive dialogue. Last week, Orengo warned that ODM risks being perceived as a regional party if ethnic considerations dominate internal decisions.
“ODM is found in nearly every region,” he said.
“We must be careful not to compromise the party’s national character.” Nassir maintained that engaging with the government could be a pragmatic route for ODM to influence national policy.
“It is time we talk to President Ruto and discuss ways to move the country forward,” he said.
“Members are welcome to express their opinions, but we should avoid framing the debate along ethnic lines.”
