Sakaja’s ODM Move Faces Fresh Hurdles as Party Insiders Defend Nairobi Governor Bid

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja is facing a difficult political choice as he weighs leaving President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a party whose members are already positioning themselves for the 2027 governor’s race.

Sakaja’s possible move gained momentum after he attended an ODM event at Jacaranda Grounds on Saturday, October 31, where he asked Nairobi residents which party they wanted him to join.

But as speculation grew, the governor had not publicly confirmed that he had resigned from UDA or completed the process of joining ODM by Monday, November 2.

At Jacaranda Grounds, Sakaja asked supporters to choose between UDA, ODM and the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). Some in the crowd urged him to join the Orange party.

“You elected me Governor once, and before that you elected me Senator. You elected me without looking at party affiliation. Even those who supported ODM voted for me,” he told the gathering.

He later appealed to ODM leaders to guide him, saying: “The voice of the people is the voice of God. Chair and party leader, you will guide me.”

The remarks followed months of pressure from ODM figures who have argued that the party offers him a stronger political platform in Nairobi.

However, joining ODM would not automatically secure him the party’s ticket.

ODM has its own candidate ambitions

The biggest obstacle to an easy political transition could come from within ODM itself.

Nairobi party delegates have already expressed opposition to efforts to give Sakaja the party’s gubernatorial ticket without a competitive nomination process.

At a meeting in Makadara in September, delegates backed the constituency’s MP, George Aladwa, for the governor’s race. They argued that ODM should give priority to members who have built their political careers within the party.

Aladwa has also maintained that he is the party’s candidate for the seat.

Other ODM leaders have made a similar distinction between welcoming politicians into the party and guaranteeing them an election ticket.

In September, ODM officials said anyone seeking an elective position under the party would have to take part in nominations rather than expect a direct ticket because of their political standing.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai added to the debate on Monday, questioning why ODM should bring in an established politician from another party when it has members who have worked within its structures.

He argued that Sakaja should be subjected to detailed scrutiny before the party considers his entry.

The disagreement exposes a political dilemma for ODM. Bringing in a sitting governor could strengthen its influence in the capital, but sidelining established members could create divisions ahead of the nominations.

Raila’s influence in Sakaja’s political decision

Sakaja has previously linked his possible move to his close relationship with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

In an August interview with Radio Citizen, the governor said ODM officials and supporters had approached him about joining the party. He also recalled discussions he had held with Raila before his death.

“He was like my father, and he also wanted that. We had a lot of talks before his death,” Sakaja said.

He added at the time that he had not settled on a date to leave UDA and was still listening to the views of Nairobi residents.

The relationship has remained a recurring theme in the discussions about his political future. Raila had previously expressed support for Sakaja’s re-election, although the late ODM leader’s backing does not settle the party’s current nomination contest.

ODM director of elections and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed had also publicly urged Sakaja to join the party, arguing that he would struggle to retain the Nairobi seat without its support.

Junet’s position reflects ODM’s belief that it has a strong political base in the capital and should field candidates for all elective positions.

A high-stakes contest for City Hall

Sakaja’s political calculations come as several leaders position themselves for the Nairobi governor’s seat in 2027.

The contest is expected to involve more than party loyalty. Candidates will have to convince voters that they can address the city’s persistent challenges, including traffic congestion, waste management, housing, flooding, markets and the delivery of county services.

For Sakaja, changing parties could help him secure a broader political coalition. But he would also have to persuade ODM members that his entry would strengthen rather than displace their ambitions.

The governor won the 2022 Nairobi gubernatorial election on a UDA ticket, defeating incumbent Anne Kananu and other candidates. His next bid will therefore test whether the political support that carried him to City Hall can survive a change of party.

For ODM, the decision is equally delicate. The party must weigh the appeal of bringing a sitting governor into its ranks against the expectations of members who want a fair chance to compete for its ticket.

Until Sakaja formally confirms his departure from UDA and ODM clarifies its position on the nomination, the question of who will carry the party’s flag in Nairobi remains open.

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.