Coast no longer ODM’s pawn! Gachagua, Kalonzo plot to oust governor Nassir
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka have vowed to select a fresh face from their opposition coalition to run for Mombasa’s governor in the 2027 elections, accusing ODM’s Raila Odinga of exploiting coastal voters for his own gain.
Speaking at a lively rally in Mombasa on Saturday, June 7, 2025, he called on Mombasa residents to unite behind a new coalition-backed candidate to champion the region’s interests, setting the stage for a heated electoral battle.
The incumbent Mombasa governor, Abdullswamad Sherrif Nassir, was elected on an ODM ticket.
Gachagua lambasted Raila for rallying Mombasa voters only to abandon them for alliances with Ruto.
“Huyu Raila anakuja anakoroga nyinyi mnamuongeza kura. Akipita anaenda kwa Kasongo anawacha nyinyi kwa mataa,” he said.
Loosely translated to: “This Raila comes, stirs you up, you give him votes. Once he’s done, he goes to Kasongo and leaves you in the dark.”
He stressed their plan to back a new governor.
“Watu wa Mombasa tutatafuta governor wa mrengo wetu ambaye tutaunga mkono,” he said
Translated to: “Mombasa people, we’ll find a governor from our side to support.”
Cousins urged to unite
Calling for coastal unity, Gachagua used local slang, addressing residents as “macousins” and “macuzo.”
“Sasa sisi macousins, macuzo, tupange mambo yetu,” he said.
Translating to: “Now we, the cousins, let’s plan our affairs.”
“Wewe ukikasirika na macousins wakiongea, meza wembe,” the former Deputy President warned against internal rifts.
Translated to: “If you get angry when cousins speak, swallow a razor.”
Gachagua also criticised Raila’s history with Kalonzo.
“Kalonzo na jamii yake wametumiwa na Raila vibaya miaka mingi,” he said.
Meaning: “Kalonzo and his community have been badly used by Raila for many years.”
Kalonzo, standing with Gachagua, reinforced the commitment to field a new coalition candidate to counter President William Ruto’s influence and ODM’s stronghold in Mombasa. Their alliance, bolstered by Gachagua’s recent praise for Kalonzo’s Ukambani base, aims to reshape the 2027 political landscape. Mombasa, with over 600,000 registered voters, remains a pivotal battleground.
Author
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a digital writer with over five years of experience. He graduated in February 2022 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from The Co-operative University of Kenya. He has written news and feature stories for platforms such as Construction Review Online, Sports Brief, Briefly News, and Criptonizando. In 2023, he completed a course in Digital Investigation Techniques with AFP. He joined K24 Digital in May 2025. For inquiries, he can be reached at [email protected].
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