MOMBASA, Kenya—ODM Deputy Party Leader Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has challenged party members to demonstrate their loyalty to the late Raila Amolo Odinga by defending the principles and political agenda that shaped the party, saying commitment must go beyond public declarations.
Nassir said ODM’s future should remain anchored in the manifesto and ideals championed by Raila, arguing that members who profess loyalty to the former party leader must translate their support into actions that reflect his political philosophy.
“When we say we love Raila and support ODM, we are not speaking through words alone. We are demonstrating that commitment through our actions,” Nassir said.
He described ODM members as students of Raila’s political philosophy, urging them to protect the party’s identity and ensure its agenda continues to guide their political activities following the veteran opposition leader’s departure from the country’s political leadership.
The Mombasa Governor also criticised political figures and groups he accused of invoking Raila’s name without advancing the principles he stood for.
Using animal nicknames associated with Kenya’s political discourse, Nassir questioned the substance of rival political movements, challenging their proponents to explain their agendas and present clear policy proposals for addressing the country’s challenges.
He argued that political competition should be based on ideas, policies and manifestos rather than ethnic divisions, personal hostility and attacks against political opponents.
assir further accused some of ODM’s critics of relying on divisive rhetoric instead of presenting coherent political programmes, insisting that those claiming to have supported Raila should demonstrate that commitment by defending his political ideals.
The deputy party leader also defended ODM’s longevity, describing it as a political institution built around a set of principles rather than the pursuit of victory in a single election.
He noted that the party had remained a significant force in Kenyan politics for more than two decades despite repeatedly failing to secure the presidency, arguing that its political identity extended beyond the outcome of individual elections.
“ODM is a party that believed in ideals. It was not formed simply for the purpose of winning one election,” Nassir said.
His remarks come amid questions about ODM’s direction, internal cohesion and future leadership following Raila’s death, with the party facing the task of sustaining its political identity while navigating a changing national landscape.
The debate over Raila’s legacy has also raised questions about how ODM will preserve the agenda associated with its founding years while responding to emerging political alliances and competing interests.
For Nassir, the party’s continued relevance will depend on its members’ ability to uphold its principles and articulate a credible political programme, rather than relying solely on personalities or invoking the legacy of its former leader.
His message places responsibility on ODM members to demonstrate their commitment through their conduct and political choices as the party works to define its next chapter.
