SAKAJA DUMPS UDA FOR ODM

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), abandoning the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as he seeks to defend his gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election.

Sakaja was formally received into the Orange party on Monday, November 2, at its headquarters, Chungwa House, in Lavington, Nairobi, bringing weeks of speculation about his political future to an end.

The governor was welcomed by ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati and National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, with Arati draping an orange scarf around his shoulders in a symbolic gesture of his entry into the party.

His defection follows months of political courtship by ODM leaders, who have repeatedly argued that the party's strong support base in Nairobi gives him a better chance of securing re-election than remaining in UDA.

The move comes after Sakaja signalled his growing association with ODM during a rally at Jacaranda Grounds on Saturday, October 31, where he asked Nairobi residents to guide his political direction. The crowd reportedly rallied behind ODM, prompting him to ask the party leadership present to welcome him.

Speaking after his admission, Sakaja openly credited the late former Prime Minister and ODM founding leader Raila Odinga for influencing his decision.

“Baba [Raila Odinga] is the one who told me to join ODM,” he said.

He further described his relationship with the former Prime Minister as deeply personal, saying: “I was very close with Raila Odinga. He was like my father, and I spent a lot of time with him.”

Sakaja also recalled Raila's advice on strengthening Nairobi's leadership, saying the late opposition leader had encouraged him to join ODM to consolidate the party's influence in the capital.

The governor, however, appeared keen to maintain his relationship with President William Ruto despite his departure from the ruling party, declaring his continued support for the Head of State from within ODM.

“President wetu William Ruto tunamshukuru. Sindio hiyo? Sindio tunasema Ruto ni tutam. We will support Ruto, mimi nitazidi kumshikilia mkono and I will support him from ODM.”

His political realignment follows months of pressure from ODM leaders, some of whom had openly warned that his chances of retaining City Hall would be slim if he contested on a UDA ticket.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed had previously urged the governor to join the Orange party, arguing that remaining in UDA would undermine his re-election ambitions.

“I want to tell Sakaja that he still desires to be re-elected as Nairobi governor in 2027, then he should come to ODM. If he decides to remain where he is, he will wait until Jesus comes back, and nobody will elect him,” Junet said during an empowerment event in Kileleshwa Ward.

Raila had also publicly backed Sakaja's second-term ambitions in 2025, urging ODM members to support his re-election bid.

However, the governor's entry into ODM does not automatically guarantee him the party's gubernatorial ticket, with several established party figures already positioning themselves for the same seat.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi Movement (LMM), remains one of the prominent potential challengers. Makadara MP George Aladwa has also indicated his interest in the ODM ticket and insisted that aspirants should compete through the party's nomination process rather than receive direct endorsements.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has similarly questioned whether ODM should accommodate political newcomers at the expense of leaders who have built their careers within the party.

Outside ODM, the emerging gubernatorial contest features Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, former Nairobi County Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria and Bishop Margaret Wanjiru, among other potential contenders.

Mosiria's entry into the race has been particularly contentious following his public fallout with the governor.

The former county official declared his intention to challenge Sakaja in 2027 and subsequently criticised the county administration, claiming that “nothing is working” at City Hall while raising allegations of corruption and incompetence.

Sakaja's political journey has been characterised by successive party realignments. He first gained national political prominence as chairman of The National Alliance (TNA), the party associated with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, before serving as a nominated Member of Parliament between 2013 and 2017.

He subsequently joined Jubilee and won the Nairobi senatorial seat in 2017, serving until 2022.

In the 2022 General Election, he moved to UDA and defeated Jubilee candidate Polycarp Igathe to become Nairobi governor.

His latest switch to ODM therefore marks another significant shift in his political career, placing him within a party that has traditionally commanded considerable support in Nairobi.

Nevertheless, his new political home comes with its own challenges. His administration has faced criticism over service delivery, urban planning, traffic congestion, drainage, waste management and concerns surrounding construction safety in the capital.

The governor has also faced previous impeachment threats from Nairobi MCAs, making political support within the county assembly an important consideration as he approaches the next election.