Nassir, The New ODM Deputy Party Leader, What next for Mombasa Politics?

With Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Shariff Nassir proposed as the next ODM deputy party leader, the political scramble for the Coastal region has just begun.

United Democratic Alliance, UDA has for some time targeted the Coastal region which has remained ODM’s stronghold for the past decade.

The latest move saw UDA appoint Hassan Sarai the party Secretary General replacing the ousted Malala.

Nassir replaced the newly appointed CS and former Mombasa Governor Hassan Ali Joho in the party ranks.
The appointment of Joho to the cabinet is also a move by president Ruto to woo the Coastal people to support him in 2027. Mark you, Mombasa was the first place the president was applauded after the CS nominations despite anti government protests that saw thousands take to the street wanting the resignation of the president.

The introduction of Nassir just shows how important the Coastal votes might have a decision in determining the next president of Kenya.

Nassir has been a loyalist of Raila Odinga and the ODM party. Despite his father, Shariff Nassir being a loyalist to the late President Moi, Nassir has been by Raila’s side since he joined politics.

Nassir being a deputy party leader will shape the Mombasa politics for a long time. This means that Business man come politician Suleiman Shahbal will either find another party to run for the Governor’s position or wait till Nassir’s term runs out and vie during the 2032 general elections.

Hassan Sarai being the UDA Secretary General also means he is most likely to fly the party’s flag again in the next general elections. This will not be good news to the current Nyali Member of parliament Mohammed Ali alias Jicho Pevu who as been eyeing the county top seat and is hopeful to be UDA’s flag bearer.

The confirmation of Nassir as ODM deputy party leader will be a big achievement to the politician who hopes to right his name in the political arena, but to his foes, it might be a very big blow.