NAIROBI, Kenya — Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially left the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), positioning himself to seek a second term on the party’s ticket in the 2027 General Election.
Sakaja announced his decision on Monday, November 2, during a reception at ODM headquarters, Chungwa House, in Nairobi, where he was welcomed by senior party officials led by Deputy Party Leaders Simba Arati and Hassan Joho, National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.
The Governor said he was joining the party with experience, energy and a commitment to advancing its political ideals, arguing that leadership should be measured by its impact on people’s lives rather than electoral victories alone.
“I bring with me the commitment I had to service, experience, energy and conviction that the next phase of politics, the next chapter of our politics must be measured not simply by elections we win but the lives we transform,” he said.
His defection follows weeks of speculation about his political future and growing engagement with ODM leaders and supporters. He had also attended an ODM rally at Jacaranda Grounds on Saturday, October 31, where he signalled his intention to join the party.
Sakaja credits Raila Odinga for ODM move
The Nairobi Governor linked his decision to his longstanding relationship with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, ODM’s founding leader, saying he remained committed to the political ideals associated with his leadership.
Sakaja said Raila had encouraged him to join the Orange party, adding that he intended to help preserve the vision he associated with the former Prime Minister.
“If Baba was here today, and he is the one who told me to join ODM, he said that Nairobi should remain bold and we will do everything to ensure that is present in ODM,” he said.
He also pledged to bring youthful supporters into the party, describing his entry as an opportunity to strengthen ODM’s presence in Nairobi ahead of the next election.
Sakaja’s relationship with Raila had previously attracted political criticism, particularly when he was serving as a UDA Governor while maintaining close working ties with ODM leaders in Nairobi.
Speaking after his reception, the governor defended that cooperation, saying he had worked with ODM because the party held a majority in the Nairobi County Assembly and that collaboration had been necessary for county administration.
He further maintained that he was not joining ODM to displace existing members or take over another politician’s political position.
ODM nomination contest emerges ahead of 2027
Sakaja’s entry into ODM sets the stage for a potentially competitive nomination process as the party prepares for the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race.
Among the politicians who have expressed interest in the seat is Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who is associated with the Mwananchi Party. Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri has also been mentioned among the prospective contenders.
Within ODM, Makadara MP George Aladwa has expressed interest in seeking the party’s gubernatorial ticket, creating the prospect of competition among aspirants before the party settles on its candidate.
Sakaja has indicated that he is willing to engage with Aladwa over the nomination question. ODM leaders, meanwhile, have pledged to conduct free and fair nominations.
Welcoming the governor, Simba Arati said ODM leader Oburu Oginga had instructed him to receive Sakaja into the party. Arati described him as a significant addition and said all aspirants would be given an opportunity to compete.
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The Governor’s admission into ODM therefore does not automatically guarantee him the party’s nomination. The outcome will depend on the party’s selection process and the political negotiations among those seeking to represent it in Nairobi.
Sakaja’s move reshapes Nairobi’s political alignments
Sakaja was elected Nairobi Governor in 2022 on a UDA ticket, defeating incumbent Anne Kananu in a contest that placed him at the centre of the ruling coalition’s political influence in the capital.
His departure from UDA marks a significant change in his political affiliation ahead of the 2027 election, even as ODM remains part of the broad-based government arrangement with President William Ruto.
Sakaja has also publicly supported the broad-based arrangement, saying ODM and UDA share Ruto as their presidential candidate.
His decision to join ODM while maintaining that position illustrates the distinction between the party ticket he intends to use in the Nairobi gubernatorial race and his stated position on the presidential contest.
The move comes as political parties and aspirants begin positioning themselves for the next election, with Nairobi expected to remain a major battleground for competing political interests.
For Sakaja, the immediate challenge will be securing ODM’s nomination before turning to the wider contest for a second term at City Hall.
