Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir now says that the Orange Democratic Movement party must remain strong, even in Raila Odinga's absence.
According to Nassir, this is because the opposition party is the last line of defence between Kenyans and the government.
The governor said that any divisions within the party will only expose suffering Kenyans to more harm.
"What I want to tell my colleagues and I believe Baba, you have spoken to us before about it. Whatever happens, our party will remain stronger because we are the last line of defence for Kenyans. When we are divided, we will be oppressing those who rely on us to be their shield and to give them direction," Nassir said.
His remarks were in relation to the ongoing campaigns from within the party, where some leaders are positioning themselves to take charge should Raila become the African Union Commission chairperson.
He went on to say that even as some party members have expressed the desire to take over the leadership of the party, Raila will still have the final say.
Nassir said the party's in-house contests should not amount to dividing ODM because they need to be stronger now than ever.
"We will fight within the party no matter what happens and Baba, I believe you will show us which direction to follow. We have said it is Hassan Ali Joho, and others will say something else but you are the father of democracy in Kenya, you will direct us but more importantly, we are telling you that the party will continue to be strong in Kenya because we are the line of defence for these Kenyans," he said.
He spoke at a fundraiser for orphans at Malindi Islamic Center and Orphanage on Sunday, where he had accompanied Raila, among other leaders from ODM.
In his address, Raila asked leaders to stop ethnic and regional campaigns aimed at succeeding him.
According to the Opposition leader, the move will cause division within the party.
He likened them to men who want to inherit a woman whose husband is still alive.
"I have only said that I have to be the African Union Commission chairperson. I have not gotten the job, I'm still here," Raila said.
"Addis Ababa is not far from here and even if Baba is not here, we will sit down as ODM and agree on the way forward."
Raila said the ODM party needs everyone for it to be stronger.
