Sakaja Joins ODM Party

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ahead of the 2027 General Election, ditching the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Sakaja was officially welcomed into ODM on Monday, November 2, at Chungwa House in Nairobi by senior party officials, including Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati and National Chairperson Gladys Wanga.

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Speaking after his admission into ODM, Sakaja linked his political journey to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying their relationship dated back to his entry into politics and his eventual election as Nairobi Governor.

"I started with Raila Odinga when I joined politics and became governor. Now that I have joined ODM, I have many people behind me whom I am bringing into the party," he said.

Sakaja also revisited the criticism he faced over his close relationship with Raila and his decision to work with the former Prime Minister before the formation of the Broad-Based Government.

"I was branded an ODM mole even before the Broad-Based Government. I was fought by tribal leaders who opposed my decision to work with Raila. Isn't it a shame? he added.

Sakaja's defection followed growing calls from a section of ODM supporters for him to formally join the party.

On Saturday, October 31, Sakaja had attended an ODM memorial event at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi in honour of Raila, where he asked residents to choose the political party they wanted him to join.

The governor reminded the crowd that Nairobi residents had elected him as Senator and subsequently Governor despite differences in political affiliations, noting that ODM supporters had also backed his previous electoral campaigns.

He then asked the crowd whether he should remain in UDA, join the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) or move to ODM, with sections of the audience expressing support for his entry into the Orange party.

Responding to the crowd's position, Sakaja invoked the popular saying that the voice of the people is the voice of God and asked ODM leadership to guide him on his political future.

"The voice of the people is the voice of God. Chair and party leader, you will guide me," he said.

During the same event, Sakaja challenged ODM to preserve Raila's political legacy by defending ordinary Kenyans, promoting social justice and rejecting tribal politics.

He argued that the party needed to continue speaking out against challenges affecting ordinary citizens, including the rising cost of living and fuel prices.

Sakaja's latest move also followed his public confirmation in August that he had received invitations from ODM officials and members to join the party.

Speaking during an interview with Radio Citizen on August 26, the governor disclosed that he had held discussions with ODM youth representatives, women leaders and Members of Parliament over a possible political transition.

He also revealed that Raila had previously encouraged him to join the party, describing the former Prime Minister as a father figure with whom he had maintained a close relationship.

"In October, we will be marking one year since Raila left us, and we were very close; he was like my father, and he also wanted that. We had a lot of talks before his death," Sakaja said.

At the time, however, the governor had not announced his departure from UDA, saying he was still consulting and considering the views of his supporters.