The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has announced a key political and administrative appointment in Mombasa County, a move that is already drawing attention within Kenya’s political circles. Deputy Party Leader and Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir has appointed Maurice Ogeta, a long-serving aide to the late former ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga, as Advisor on Security Affairs in the County Government of Mombasa.
The announcement was first shared by ODM on X, where the party congratulated Ogeta on his new role. Governor Nassir later confirmed the appointment, stating that it follows the formal establishment of advisory positions by the Mombasa County Public Service Board, in full compliance with the law.
“I have today made appointments in the Executive Office of the Governor following the establishment of positions by the Mombasa County Public Service Board, in line with the provisions of the law,” Nassir said in an official statement.
According to the governor, Ogeta’s appointment is informed by his extensive experience and institutional knowledge accumulated over many years of public service at local, regional, and global levels. Most notably, Ogeta previously served as a trusted aide to the late Raila Odinga, who is widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most influential political figures and the founding leader of ODM.
“Mr. Maurice Ogeta has been appointed to serve as Advisor, Security Affairs in the County Government of Mombasa. This appointment is informed by his many years of experience and deep institutional knowledge built at local, regional and global levels, including his service to our late Founding Party Leader, H. E. Raila Odinga, C.G.H.,” Nassir noted.
Political observers say the appointment signals Governor Nassir’s intention to strengthen the county’s security advisory framework at a time when urban security, coastal crime, and regional stability remain high on the national agenda. Mombasa, being Kenya’s second-largest city and a major economic hub, faces unique security challenges tied to tourism, port operations, and cross-border dynamics along the coast.
Ogeta’s close working relationship with Raila Odinga over the years has also fueled political interest, with analysts viewing the move as part of a broader effort to retain institutional memory and ODM’s ideological influence within county governments. His appointment is expected to enhance coordination between county leadership, national security agencies, and regional stakeholders.
In the same announcement, Governor Nassir also named Ken Ambani as Advisor on Creative Arts, highlighting the county’s commitment to reviving and expanding the creative economy. Nassir said Ambani’s “wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience” would be instrumental in supporting artists, empowering youth, and driving economic growth through culture and creativity.
“I have also appointed Ken Ambani as my Advisor on Creative Arts. His wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience in the sector will be instrumental as we work to revive and grow the creative industry in Mombasa for the benefit of our artists, youth and the wider economy,” Nassir said.
The dual appointments reflect a strategic approach by the Nassir administration, balancing hard governance areas such as security with softer but economically significant sectors like creative arts. ODM insiders say the move aligns with the party’s broader development agenda, which emphasizes inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and professionalized public service.
As Mombasa continues to position itself as a regional economic and cultural powerhouse, the appointments of Maurice Ogeta and Ken Ambani are expected to play a key role in shaping policy direction and implementation. With ODM navigating internal political realignments nationally, the developments in Mombasa signal continuity, experience, and strategic planning at the county level.
