Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sherrif Nassir, along with other local leaders, has officially come forward to reassure their support for Raila Odinga for president in 2027.

 The governor has stated that Mr Odinga their preferred political leader and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and no other.

Additionally he has stated that Odinga is their chosen political party flag bearer for the 2027 General Election in Kenya.

The declaration of support for Odinga comes as President William Ruto is on his tour of the Nyanza region.

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President Ruto’s visit to Nyanza

The Nyanza region is perceived to be Mr. Odinga’s political stronghold and vote backyard from time in memorial.

Notably, some analysts interpret this as an effort to gain support in Raila’s traditional political stronghold by the head of state.

Governor Nassir emphasized their allegiance to Raila Odinga, stating that if anyone wishes to engage with them politically, it must be done through Odinga, whom they regard as their leader.

He also took the opportunity to criticize the National Government’s plans to privatize the Port of Mombasa.

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Privatisation of the port of Mombasa

The governor demanded that the people of Mombasa must have a stake in the port’s expansion and development.

Nassir expressed concern over the government’s approach to privatization, equating it with concessioning.

Governor Nassir went on to emphasize the need for the people of Mombasa to benefit from the port’s growth.

He stressed the need to give back to the Mombasa people not just in the present but for future generations.

Deputy Governor Francis Thoya pointed out that some leaders who were previously vocal against port privatisation in Mombasa have now gone silent.

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Thoya alleged that their silence may have been influenced by the allocation of operation rights at the port.

He alluded that ports operations are subsequently sold for personal gain which has in turn bough their silence on crucial matters.

Raila Odinga supported the demand for Mombasa County to have a shareholding in the Port of Mombasa and representation on its board.

The proposal is a model similar to that in other international ports like those in Singapore and Belgium.

The support from Mombasa leaders for Raila Odinga and ODM reflects the ongoing political dynamics in Kenya as the nation prepares for the next General Election.

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