This archive report was first published on 29 October 2021.
As the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) seeks to avoid a potential split vote in the Mombasa gubernatorial election, the party is intensifying efforts to mediate a potential candidate.
Abdulswamad Nassir, the Mvita MP, and businessman Suleiman Shahbal are currently vying for the ODM ticket, while Naibu Gavana William Kingi has also announced his intention to run for the position, seeking to succeed Governor Hassan Joho.
ODM Mombasa branch chairman Mohamed Hamid confirmed that negotiations are ongoing to determine whether the candidates can come to an agreement and avoid a split vote.
“The talks are ongoing, but they have not been concluded,” Hamid said in an interview.
Historically, some politicians who have lost the ODM ticket have opted to run as independent candidates or join other parties, which has led to a split vote in various areas.
Despite the revised election laws aimed at preventing politicians from switching parties, analysts say that parties must anticipate the possibility of losing candidates defecting to other parties.
Hamid urged politicians seeking the ODM ticket to avoid divisive campaigns and instead focus on promoting the party's unity.
“I urge all of us to work together to strengthen our party. We can only achieve this by working together,” he said.
Shahbal, who met with Hamid at his office, suggested that the party open up other branches in Mombasa and other areas as a way to boost the party's popularity.
He proposed that the party branches be opened by party leaders, rather than individual members, to ensure that the party remains united.
Shahbal was accompanied by former Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba, who also expressed confidence that Mombasa remains a stronghold for the ODM party.
Hamid took over the position from Mohammed Hatimy, who passed away in November last year.
