Kenya's Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, leaving the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Sakaja won the Nairobi gubernatorial seat on a UDA ticket and has been governor for the past four years. His defection was formalized on Monday, November 2, at Chungwa House in Nairobi, where senior ODM officials welcomed him into the party.
Sakaja's decision to switch parties was met with criticism from Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, who argued that changing parties will not erase Sakaja's past failures as governor. Karauri pointed to several challenges facing the city, including building collapses, severe flooding, garbage accumulation, and delayed bursary distributions. He claimed that Sakaja's party switch was an attempt to distance himself from his record.
Sakaja has tied his political trajectory to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, tracing their connection back to his entry into politics and his eventual election as governor. He recalled facing intense political pushback over his relationship with Raila before the establishment of the current Broad-Based Government. Sakaja was branded an "ODM mole" by some leaders who opposed his decision to work with Raila.
The governor's party switch follows public encouragement from ODM supporters. On Saturday, October 31, Sakaja attended an ODM memorial service for Raila at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi, where he consulted the crowd on his political future. Sakaja noted that ODM supporters had consistently backed his past bids and polled the crowd on whether he should stay in UDA, join the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), or move to ODM.
When the crowd cheered for the Orange party, Sakaja accepted their demand, noting that the voice of the people reflects the voice of God and asking ODM leadership to direct his next steps. Senior ODM officials, including Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati and National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, formally welcomed Sakaja into the party. Sakaja expressed his gratitude to the party and its leadership.
Karauri continued to criticize Sakaja, stating that changing parties will not alter how residents view his performance over the past four years. He accused Sakaja of failing to address core city challenges, directly pointing to building collapses, severe flooding, garbage accumulation, and delayed bursary distributions. Sakaja has yet to respond to Karauri's comments.
Sakaja's defection has sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans, with some supporting his decision and others criticizing it. The governor's move is seen as a significant shift in the country's politics, particularly in Nairobi. Key points to note include:
Key points
- Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially joined the ODM party, leaving UDA.
- Sakaja's defection was formalized on Monday, November 2, at Chungwa House in Nairobi.
- The move has sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans, with some supporting his decision and others criticizing it.
