NAIROBI, Kenya – Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has challenged politicians abandoning the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing some of changing political allegiance despite previously criticising him for working with the party’s late leader, Raila Odinga.
Speaking on Monday, November 2, shortly after formally joining ODM, Sakaja questioned why some young politicians were now associating with leaders he accused of previously opposing the party’s presence in Nairobi’s county government.
“Isn’t it a shame? Isn’t it a shame that wale ambao walikuwa wanatupiga juu ya kufanya kazi na Baba. Si mnawajua?” he said.
The governor argued that it was contradictory for politicians who had criticised his relationship with Raila to abandon ODM and align themselves with political figures he said had previously declared that ODM members had no place in Nairobi’s government.
His remarks signal an attempt to position himself as a defender of ODM’s influence in the capital, even as the party navigates competing political interests ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sakaja Invokes Raila’s Instructions on Nairobi
Sakaja said his decision to join ODM was influenced by Raila, whom he claimed had personally encouraged him to become a member of the party.
He recalled meeting the former Prime Minister before his trip to the African Union, saying Raila had emphasised the need to strengthen ODM’s position in Nairobi.
“Baba alisema aje? Itaka Nairobi iimara. Na Nairobi lazima ikae iimara. Tutafanya yote vilivyo inawezekanavyo kuleta nguvu kwa ODM Nairobi,” Sakaja said.
The governor pledged to work towards expanding the party’s political presence in the capital, presenting his defection as a continuation of his relationship with Raila rather than simply a change of political party.
Sakaja was formally received at ODM headquarters, Chungwa House, on Monday by senior party officials, including Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati. His departure from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) followed weeks of speculation about his political future.
Governor Says He Will Support Ruto From ODM
Despite moving from President William Ruto’s UDA to ODM, Sakaja maintained that his support for the Head of State would not change.
“President wetu William Ruto tunamshukuru. Sindio hiyo? Sindio tunasema Ruto ni tutam. We will support Ruto, mimi nitazidi kumshikilia mkono and I will support him from ODM,” he said.
The declaration places Sakaja’s political position within the broad-based government arrangement, under which ODM and UDA have worked together nationally.
His position also reflects the political balancing act facing leaders who are aligning themselves with ODM while maintaining support for Ruto’s 2027 presidential ambitions.
Sakaja was elected governor in 2022 on a UDA ticket but is now positioning himself to defend his seat through ODM in the next General Election.
ODM’s Nairobi Ticket Could Become the Next Test
Sakaja’s entry into ODM gives the party an incumbent Nairobi governor as it prepares for the next election cycle, but joining the party does not automatically secure him its gubernatorial nomination.
Other politicians have also expressed interest in contesting for the Nairobi governor’s seat on an ODM ticket, placing the party’s nomination process in focus.
Sakaja’s remarks about strengthening ODM in Nairobi therefore come at a time when the party must balance the ambitions of established members with those of politicians joining from other political formations.
His appearance at the Linda Mwananchi rally at Jacaranda Grounds on October 31 had already signalled his growing association with ODM before Monday’s formal defection.
