Nairobi Governor Sakaja Reveals Secret Dealings with ODM and Kalonzo

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has revealed that he negotiated county government positions for ODM officials and allies of Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka while still a member of President William Ruto's UDA party. Speaking on The Nairobi Baraza podcast, Sakaja described how he brought ODM-affiliated officials into his administration before the formation of the broad-based government. He also offered positions to people linked to Kalonzo's political camp, covering County Executive Committee posts, chief officer roles, and directorships.

Sakaja's cooperation with opposition figures sparked resistance within Kenya Kwanza, with some people accusing him of secretly advancing ODM's interests while remaining in UDA. He said the friction began before the broad-based government brought the parties into formal cooperation. Sakaja described his later move to ODM as a formal confirmation of relationships he had maintained for years. He said he was being fought and called a mole within Kenya Kwanza.

Sakaja linked his political calculations to the make-up of the Nairobi County Assembly after the 2022 General Election. UDA won 35 of the 85 elected seats, leaving his administration without a majority among elected MCAs. Sakaja said Nairobi's political balance made it necessary for his administration to work with parties that had substantial support in the capital. He recalled telling Ruto that he needed to cooperate with Raila Odinga and Kalonzo.

Sakaja also revealed that his conversations with the late Raila Odinga went beyond county appointments and political cooperation. Raila wanted him to take charge of Nairobi's political affairs and believed ODM would provide a better home for the work he was trying to do. Sakaja recounted that Raila told him, "For Nairobi, I want it in your hands, and I think you're safer within ODM because of the things you're trying to do."

Sakaja discussed his political direction with both Ruto and Raila before formally switching parties. He described Raila as a father figure and said they shared a close relationship that extended beyond politics. Sakaja also said he had been close to Raila's late son, Fidel Odinga. He said most of their interactions were not about politics but about life.

Sakaja described how he assessed candidates put forward for county jobs, saying he rejected the first names and asked for alternatives. He said he wanted to appoint credible people rather than simply reward political allies. However, he did not identify the candidates he rejected or name those who ultimately secured the positions.

Key to Sakaja's political strategy was his understanding of Nairobi's complex political landscape. His decision to work with ODM officials and Kalonzo's allies was driven by a desire to build a stable administration in the capital. By engaging with opposition figures, Sakaja aimed to ensure the effective governance of Nairobi, despite the challenges posed by the city's fragmented political landscape.

Key points

• Sakaja negotiated county government positions for ODM officials and allies of Kalonzo Musyoka while still in UDA.
• Sakaja's cooperation with opposition figures sparked resistance within Kenya Kwanza.
• Sakaja discussed his political direction with both Ruto and Raila before formally switching parties.