The Mombasa governor urged that the party’s political agenda must remain anchored in the manifesto championed by the late party leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking during a community fundraiser in Likoni on Sunday, Nassir said genuine support for Raila and ODM should go beyond public declarations of loyalty. He urged party members to translate their commitment into tangible action that reflects the principles and vision associated with the veteran opposition leader.
“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 defend the party’s ideals and ensure its agenda continues to guide their political activities.
The deputy party leader also took aim at political figures and groups he accused of presenting themselves as loyal to Raila while failing to advance the principles he championed.
Nassir questioned the substance of political movements that rely on personalities, slogans and criticism rather than clearly defined policy proposals.
He challenged ODM’s critics to explain their political agendas and present manifestos that address the country’s challenges, arguing that political competition should be based on ideas and policies rather than ethnic divisions and personal hostility.
According to Nassir, some of those seeking to challenge ODM have failed to articulate a coherent political programme, instead relying on what he described as divisive rhetoric and attacks on their political opponents.
He urged those who claim to have supported Raila to demonstrate that commitment by protecting the principles he stood for, rather than using his name for political advantage.
Nassir also defended ODM’s longevity, describing the party as a political institution built around ideals rather than the pursuit of victory in a single election.
He noted that ODM has remained a significant force in Kenyan politics for more than two decades, despite failing to secure the presidency and experiencing repeated electoral disappointments.
He argued that the party’s resilience stems from its political identity and commitment to a broader vision, rather than its fortunes in individual election cycles.
“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 wider questions about ODM’s future direction, internal cohesion and the continuation of Raila’s political legacy following his departure from the country’s political leadership.
The party, which has played a central role in Kenya’s opposition politics for more than 20 years, now faces the challenge of maintaining its unity and defining its next chapter while remaining faithful to the principles that shaped its rise.
