Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir backs Raila’s fresh presidential bid

 

Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has voiced the Coastal region’s support for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader, Raila Odinga, in the 2027 presidential race.

Nassir who is a close ally of Mr Odinga, says he is confident the ODM boss has all it takes to oust President Ruto in the 2027 polls.

The County boss explained that Mr Odinga understands the country’s current challenges as the cost of living continues to escalate by the day.

“Raila has not indicated that he will vie for the presidency in 2027. Baba (referring to Raila Odinga), you have not given me a mandate to be the spokesperson of ODM, nor have you given me the duty of being Raila Odinga’s spokesperson.

However, you have given me the mandate to be the spokesperson for the people of Mombasa, the Coast, and all of Kenya. For us, we are not asking, we are not requesting, and we are not pleading. We, the people of Kenya, command you to vie for the presidency in 2027,” said the Governor.

He added, “We are not begging for anything. But we demand that you, as Kenyans, must be on the 2027 ballot. Because we have not seen someone who can set aside his interests and serve Kenyans, apart from you”.

In 2022, Mr Raila, through Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Alliance, contested for the most coveted position in the country but lost to his main competitor, the current President William Ruto.

Dr Ruto was declared the winner of Kenya’s presidential elections by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chair, Mr Wafula Chebukati (now retired), after garnering 7,176,141 votes, equivalent to 50.59 percent of valid votes cast, beating former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who had 6,942,930 votes, representing 48.85 percent. Ruto served as Kenya’s Deputy President since 2013, under the Jubilee Government led by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

During his inauguration in September 2022, his running mate, Rigathi Gachagua, who was sworn in as the Deputy President, claimed that they inherited a dilapidated economy.

To date, Mr Gachagua blames Ruto’s predecessor for destroying Kenya’s economy, remarks which have also been indirectly supported by the President.​

By Sammy Waweru