NASSIR: ODM must take its place in presidency for national stability

Kenya stands, once again, at the threshold of a defining political transition. As we look toward the post-2027 dispensation, one question must be confronted with clarity and honesty: what is the rightful place of the Orange Democratic Movement in the governance of this republic? My position is firm. ODM must not exist at the periphery of power. It must have structured, substantive space within the presidency itself.

This is not a claim born of entitlement. It is a conclusion drawn from history, political reality and a forward-looking vision for Kenya.

First, history teaches us that ODM is not merely a political party; it is the institutional expression of Kenya’s long struggle for democratic reform.

The party traces its origins to the 2005 constitutional referendum, where a broad-based citizen movement rejected an over-centralised Executive and demanded a more accountable system of governance.

That moment was not just political, it was foundational. ODM emerged as a vehicle for reform, rooted in the fight against authoritarianism and the pursuit of a more equitable state. 

It is therefore historically inconsistent, and politically dangerous, to relegate such a movement to the margins of executive power. A party born out of the demand to restructure power cannot now be excluded from how that power is ultimately exercised.

Second, Kenya’s own experience demonstrates that stability is best achieved through inclusive governance. The events following the 2007 election are a sobering reminder.

The disputed outcome led to a national crisis, resolved only through a negotiated power-sharing agreement that created the position of Prime Minister under Raila Odinga. That arrangement, imperfect as it was, restored calm, stabilised the economy, and laid the groundwork for the transformative 2010 Constitution.

The lesson is clear: where significant political constituencies are excluded, instability follows; where they are incorporated, the nation steadies itself.

ODM today remains one of the most deeply rooted political formations in Kenya, with structures extending to the grassroots across all 47 counties. Its electoral strength, organisational depth and ideological clarity make it a central pillar of Kenya’s democratic architecture.

To attempt to govern Kenya without integrating ODM at the highest level of executive authority would be to ignore the lived political reality of millions of citizens.

Third, the future of Kenya demands a new model of governance, one that is collaborative rather than exclusionary. The presidency of the future cannot be a winner-takes-all institution. It must evolve into a platform for shared leadership, reflecting the diversity and complexity of our nation.

This is not merely about ODM. It is about redefining governance in Kenya. A presidency that meaningfully incorporates the Orange party would signal a shift toward coalition-based stability, policy continuity and national cohesion.

It would allow for the integration of ideas, the balancing of interests and the reduction of adversarial politics that too often paralyses progress.

Moreover, ODM’s policy orientation centred on social democracy, equity and inclusive development offers a necessary counterbalance in shaping national priorities.

The challenges we face today, from youth unemployment to regional inequality, require precisely the kind of people-centered governance that ODM has consistently championed.

Fourth, there is a generational responsibility at play. The passing of of our founding party leader Raila marked the end of a defining chapter in Kenya’s political history.

He was, by all accounts, a towering figure in the struggle for democracy and good governance. But his legacy cannot be reduced to memory. His memory must be translated into institutional relevance.

That responsibility now falls to the current leadership of ODM under Oburu Oginga. We must ensure that the ideals for which generations fought are not diluted.

Securing the party’s place within the presidency is not about power for its own sake; it is about safeguarding a legacy of reform and ensuring its continuity in shaping Kenya’s future.

Finally, on the question of leadership, I am clear in my personal conviction. I believe that Hassan Ali Joho represents the kind of bold, transformative leadership that ODM, and indeed Kenya, requires in this next phase.

His experience, his clarity of thought and his ability to connect with both grassroots and national constituencies make him a compelling candidate for the highest office in the land.

This is, of course, a matter for the party to decide. But leadership is not only about consensus, it is also about persuasion. I will actively engage my colleagues within ODM to make the case for his candidacy, grounded not in sentiment, but in strategic assessment of what the moment demands.

In conclusion, ODM’s place in the presidency is not negotiable, it is necessary. Necessary for stability. Necessary for continuity. Necessary for the realisation of a truly inclusive Kenyan state.

As we approach 2027, we must rise above the politics of exclusion and embrace a model of governance that reflects who we are as a people: diverse, dynamic, and united in our aspirations.

The Orange party has earned its place in that future not at the edges of power, but at its very centre.

The writer is the ODM deputy leader and governor of Mombasa