Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party as he prepares for his re-election bid in 2027. Sakaja, who was elected in 2022 on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party of President William Ruto, expressed his readiness to campaign for Ruto's second term while being part of the ODM party. The move comes as ODM and UDA are in the process of signing a pre-election coalition agreement.
Sakaja's decision to join ODM was influenced by the late ODM founder Raila Odinga, who had publicly endorsed him. Sakaja stated that he started his journey with Odinga when he became governor and has been working to bring ODM members into the cabinet. He emphasized his commitment to serving the people and his experience, which he believes will be valuable to the party. Sakaja was received by ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, and other top officials.
However, Sakaja's reception meeting at Chung'wa House was not without controversy. Some party members, who support ODM Nairobi Branch Chairperson George Aladwa, attempted to disrupt the event, prompting police to use tear gas. Aladwa is also seeking the ODM ticket for the Nairobi governor seat, and Sakaja announced that he would personally look for him to consolidate votes in Nairobi. Some MCAs from the Nairobi County Assembly had initially endorsed Aladwa for the leadership role.
ODM is also facing opposition from other aspirants who have declared interests in the seat, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, James Gakuya of Embakasi North, and Bishop Margaret Wanjiru. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also declared that his Democracy for the Citizens Party would dominate city politics, starting with the governor seat. Despite the competition, Sakaja expressed his humility and readiness to be guided by the party's top organs.
Governor Wanga announced that the party nominations would be held in a transparent manner, without discrimination. She welcomed everybody wishing to join the party, including Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, who is also seeking to join the party to vie for the same seat. Governor Arati revealed that Karauri would be welcomed in the same way as Sakaja, and that the party would ensure free, fair, and transparent nominations.
The move by Sakaja, a close ally to President Ruto, signifies that the leading party would agree to some of the ODM demands to forgo the Nairobi governor position. Both Suna East MP Junet Mohammed and Arati stated that they would defend Ruto's re-election while on ODM, and that other elective positions are negotiable. The ODM party has attracted interest from top leadership in recent months, after a group of ODM leaders said they would support President Ruto's re-election on certain conditions.
The late ODM party leader, Raila Odinga, had entrusted Sakaja with overseeing political affairs in the city, and Sakaja had accompanied him to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during his bid for the African Union Commission chairperson position. Sakaja emphasized his belief that young people must be participants and leaders in shaping their future, and that the next chapter of their politics must be measured by the lives they transform.
Key points
- Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja joins ODM party ahead of 2027 election.
- Sakaja's move follows ODM's interest from top leadership in recent months.
- The ODM party nominations for the Nairobi governor seat will be held in a transparent manner.
