The head of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, Raila Odinga, has received the endorsement of Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir for the president in 2027.
Speaking on Thursday at Ukunda during the ongoing ODM party membership recruitment operation, Nassir declared that it was not debatable and insisted that the leader of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition run for president a sixth time.
The newly appointed governor contended that since Mr. Odinga has experience in politics and has been tried and tested, he is the best person to improve Kenyans’ life and replace President William Ruto.
“I have seen the news headlines ‘Raila hints at the presidency for 2027’…I know you have not made me the ODM spokesperson or your spokesperson, I speak for the people of Mombasa, the Coast and Kenyans. We are not asking, we are not requesting or pleading, we the people of Kenya are commanding you to vie for presidency for 2027. You must be on the ballot in 2027,” he said.
Governor Nassir continued by praising the former premier for his political career’s patriotism and restating that he is the right choice to depose Ruto and improve the nation’s situation.
“We have not seen anyone who has been able to put aside his own ambitions and put forward the needs of Kenyans. If there is someone who should be prayed for, it is Odinga,” he stated.
The governor’s comments come amid alleged coalition ambiguity around Azimio, the opposition alliance’s nominee for flagbearer in the next elections.
Wiper leader and co-principal of Azimio, Kalonzo Musyoka, has been promoting his own candidacy in an attempt to win over Mr. Odinga and the other co-principals.
On the 2027 contest, Mr. Odinga has kept silent, insisting that the leaders will ultimately unite behind a single candidate and that there is no alleged divide within the coalition.
