Sakaja Says Ruto and Raila Discussed His ODM Move Before UDA Defection

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja says his decision to leave President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was discussed with both Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga long before he made the switch public.

The governor made the revelation during an interview with Ramogi TV on Tuesday, November 3, offering a new account of the political discussions that preceded his formal entry into ODM on November 2.

Sakaja traced the conversations to 2025, when Raila was campaigning for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position.

He recalled that, before Raila travelled to Addis Ababa for the campaign, Ruto spoke to him about the former Prime Minister’s plans and their shared political position.

“The conversation of moving to ODM, yeah, is a conversation that we had with Baba and with President William Ruto. I remember before going to Addis, the president told me, listen, Baba is going, and we're here together,” Sakaja said.

The governor said the discussions did not settle when he would formally leave UDA. However, he claimed they marked the beginning of his closer involvement in ODM affairs.

He said he subsequently received instructions on how to support the party’s Nairobi grassroots elections and followed them.

“So I was given instructions on what to do, how to support, which I did. I'm not quite into details. But everyone who has gone through that process in Nairobi will tell you,” he added.

Sakaja did not disclose the specific instructions or explain the extent of his involvement in the party elections.

From political talks to a formal switch

The governor’s account suggests his move was not a sudden response to the political activity witnessed in Nairobi over the past few weeks.

In August, he had publicly acknowledged that ODM members wanted him to join the party but said he was still consulting before making a decision.

He also spoke about his close relationship with Raila, describing the former opposition leader as a father figure who had encouraged him to consider joining ODM.

The transition became more visible on October 31, when Sakaja attended an ODM rally at Jacaranda Grounds. He asked Nairobi residents to guide him on his political future, with the crowd backing a move to the Orange party.

Two days later, he formally announced his departure from UDA at ODM headquarters, Chungwa House, where he was received by senior party officials, including National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati.

He later met ODM leader Oburu Oginga, who welcomed him into the party.

What the move means for the 2027 Nairobi race

Sakaja’s decision comes as political parties position themselves ahead of the August 2027 General Election.

The governor is seeking a second term, and joining ODM gives him a new political platform in a city where the party has a strong support base.

But membership does not automatically secure him the party’s gubernatorial ticket. ODM has previously indicated that aspirants should compete through its nomination process, leaving open the possibility of an internal contest.

Makadara MP George Aladwa has also been identified as a potential contender for the Nairobi governorship, while other political figures are positioning themselves for the race.

Sakaja’s move also highlights the unusual relationship between ODM and UDA under the broad-based government arrangement.

After joining ODM, the governor maintained that the two parties were working together and that President Ruto remained their common presidential candidate. He argued that moving between the parties was consistent with that political arrangement.

This means his defection does not necessarily amount to a break with the President. Instead, it places him in a different party as he prepares to defend his county seat.

Raila’s influence remains part of the story

Sakaja has repeatedly credited Raila with encouraging his political association with ODM. The latest comments add Ruto to the account of the discussions that preceded his move.

However, Sakaja’s remarks are his account of those conversations. Neither the interview nor the governor’s comments establish that the two leaders formally agreed on every aspect of his eventual defection.

What is clear is that the move has changed the political calculations ahead of Nairobi’s 2027 governor contest. Sakaja now has to build support within ODM while convincing voters that his change of party will translate into another term at City Hall.

The bigger test may be securing the party ticket. Joining ODM has settled the question of which party he will use to seek re-election, but it has not settled who will represent the party in the Nairobi governor race.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.