MOMBASA, Kenya — Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir has criticised two opposition leaders over their recent visit to the grave of veteran politician Raila Odinga, accusing them of political opportunism and insincerity.
Speaking on Monday, Nassir took aim at Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who are associated with the Linda Mwananchi faction, following their visit to Odinga’s rural home in Bondo.
The governor alleged that some leaders now expressing solidarity had previously opposed the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader while he was alive.
“We honour the name of Baba, although we have naysayers; those who have left the party and pretend to be shedding tears at Raila’s grave, yet when he was alive, they wanted him to die,” Nassir said.
The remarks highlight deepening tensions within opposition ranks, particularly between ODM loyalists and breakaway factions positioning themselves ahead of future political contests.
Hospital Named After Raila
Nassir made the comments during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new Level Four hospital in Kongowea, which he announced would be named in honour of the late Odinga.
“This hospital will be named the Raila Odinga Kongowea Hospital. This is because Baba believed that every Kenyan should have access to medical care irrespective of their tribe,” he said.
He framed the naming as a tribute to Odinga’s long-standing advocacy for equitable healthcare and social justice.
ODM Leadership Pushback
At the same event, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga dismissed suggestions that the party would step up to demands from dissenting leaders seeking re-entry into its leadership structures.
Responding to questions on whether the party would accommodate conditions set by the Linda Mwananchi faction, Wanga said ODM’s internal processes had already settled leadership questions.
“That is like a daylight dream. The ODM National Executive Committee already made its decision, and the delegates voted in the special National Delegates Convention,” she said.
