Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, marking a significant shift in his political career. On Monday, November 2, Sakaja was welcomed to the party at its headquarters in Nairobi by senior officials, including Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati. He expressed gratitude for the reception and pledged to work with the party leadership and members to strengthen the outfit and advance its ideals.
Sakaja's decision to join ODM was driven by his desire to advance the party's ideals and strengthen its role in government. He described the move as both a personal declaration and a political statement. The governor affirmed his support for the broad-based government arrangement, citing ODM and UDA's common presidential candidate in President Ruto. Sakaja also declared his intention to seek a second term as Nairobi governor, drawing a parallel with the President's re-election ambitions.
The move comes after weeks of speculation about Sakaja's political future, with the governor increasingly associating himself with ODM activities and leaders. His latest public signal came on Saturday, October 31, when he attended an ODM rally at Jacaranda Grounds, where he asked Nairobi residents to guide his political direction. Sakaja attributed his decision to join ODM to the influence of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, ODM's founding leader.
Sakaja addressed longstanding accusations that he was an ODM mole while serving in Nairobi under the UDA banner. He explained that his working relationship with ODM was necessitated by the party's majority in the County Assembly. The governor criticised leaders who had questioned his engagement with ODM and Raila Odinga, saying political cooperation should not have been viewed through a tribal lens.
The governor maintained that he was not joining ODM to displace existing party members or take over anyone's political position but to establish his own place within the party. Sakaja's entry into the opposition party introduces a new dimension to the contest for Nairobi's gubernatorial seat, particularly over who will secure the party's nomination. A potential contest with Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, is likely to attract attention.
Outside ODM, several other aspirants have expressed interest in the Nairobi governor's seat. Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri has declared interest in the seat, promising to improve service delivery and infrastructure. Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, associated with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has also been linked to the race. Former Nairobi county chief officer Geoffrey Mosiria and Bishop Margaret Wanjiru are also among the names being mentioned in the emerging contest.
Sakaja, who served as Nairobi senator from 2017 to 2022, was elected governor in 2022. Before that, he was a nominated member of the National Assembly from 2013 to 2017 and chaired parliamentary committees, including the Labour and Social Welfare Committee. His move to ODM has significant implications for the 2027 General Election, particularly in Nairobi, where the party's nomination will be highly contested.
Key points
- Sakaja joins ODM party ahead of 2027 General Election
- Governor aims to strengthen ODM's role in government
- Move sparks contest for Nairobi's gubernatorial seat
