Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially defected from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) as he prepares to defend his seat in the 2027 General Election. Sakaja was formally received into the Orange Party on November 2, 2026, by senior party officials, led by ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, at the party’s Chungwa House headquarters in Nairobi. This move puts an end to months of speculation regarding his party alignment following escalating tensions within UDA.
The announcement comes days after Sakaja signaled his political transition by attending ODM’s Mwezi wa Baba closing rally at Jacaranda Grounds on October 31, 2026. During the event, Sakaja polled the crowd on his political future, with supporters overwhelmingly chanting for an ODM move. This prompted him to publicly request party leaders to initiate his joining process. ODM leadership has spent months courting Sakaja, emphasizing that Nairobi remains an ODM stronghold and that any viable gubernatorial candidate needed the party’s backing.
Sakaja’s decision to join ODM was not unexpected, given his close personal ties to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who publicly expressed support for Sakaja’s leadership in late 2025. Odinga urged ODM members to back Sakaja’s reelection. In August 2026, Sakaja hinted at his impending departure from UDA, stating he was conducting extensive consultations before making his final move to Chungwa House.
The move has been seen as a strategic one, with ODM leadership believing that Sakaja’s membership will boost their chances in the 2027 General Election. Suna East MP and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed had previously warned Sakaja that staying in UDA would doom his reelection prospects. “If Sakaja desires to be re-elected as Nairobi governor in 2027, then he should come to ODM,” Junet stated.
Sakaja confirmed that he will seek a second term on an ODM ticket. This move is expected to have significant implications for the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race. With Sakaja on board, ODM is likely to strengthen its position in the city. The Orange Party has been making efforts to consolidate its support in Nairobi, with the addition of Sakaja seen as a major coup.
The defection has also sparked reactions from various stakeholders, with some welcoming Sakaja to ODM and others expressing concerns about the implications for the party and the city. As Sakaja begins his new political journey with ODM, he will be expected to navigate the complexities of the party’s internal dynamics and build alliances with other leaders.
Sakaja’s move to ODM sets the stage for a highly competitive 2027 General Election in Nairobi. With the governor now part of the Orange Party, attention will shift to how ODM will position itself for the election and how UDA will respond to the loss of one of its key leaders. The coming months are expected to be crucial in shaping the political landscape of Nairobi.
Key points
- Sakaja’s defection from UDA to ODM ahead of the 2027 General Election.
- ODM leadership had been courting Sakaja, emphasizing Nairobi’s importance as an ODM stronghold.
- Sakaja will seek a second term as Nairobi governor on an ODM ticket.
