Sakaja Hints at Joining ODM as Raila Assigns Him to Take Charge in His Absence

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Monday hinted at plans to defect from President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party to Raila Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party ahead of the next election.

Sakaja made the revelation during a prayer event in support of Odinga, who is vying for the African Union Commission Chairperson seat.

In what appeared to be a clear endorsement of Raila, the ODM leader urged Nairobi leaders to remain united and entrusted Governor Sakaja with the responsibility of overseeing the city’s political affairs in his absence.

Referring to Sakaja as his son, Raila assured ODM members in the capital that they should remain steadfast while he is away, as the governor would take charge of political matters.

“I want Nairobi to remain united and strong. My son here will take charge,” Raila said, pointing at Sakaja during the prayer meeting at the Bomas of Kenya.

Senior ODM Party officials, including Chairperson Gladys Wanga and Makadara MP George Aladwa, who also serves as the Nairobi ODM chairperson, praised Sakaja for collaborating closely with the Orange Party.

“I want to thank, in a special way, our Governor of Nairobi for standing with our party despite not being a member. I kindly urge him to leave UDA and join ODM so that we can move forward together,” said Aladwa.

Governor Wanga, on her part, thanked Sakaja for his role in organizing the event and acknowledged his alignment with ODM, which enjoys significant support in Nairobi County.

“We thank Sakaja for standing with ODM in Nairobi. As Aladwa has said, I urge Sakaja to seriously consider joining us,” Wanga stated.

Sakaja, a member of the ruling UDA party, attended the event, which was organized by women affiliated with ODM. During the gathering, he announced plans to convene a meeting with ODM women leaders in Nairobi to clarify his political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.

Quoting a Swahili proverb, Sakaja said, “Dalili ya mvua ni mawingu na mwenye macho haambiwi tazama.” Loosely translated, this means, “The signs of rain are heavy clouds, and those with eyes do not need to be reminded to see them. I must respond to the requests made to me. We are together in this.”

Potential Fallout Within ODM?

Should Sakaja join ODM as suggested, his decision could spark internal tensions within the party. Three weeks ago, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino expressed dissatisfaction with Sakaja’s leadership, accusing him of poor governance and urging ODM not to support him.

Speaking during a public address, Babu criticized the governor’s performance, citing alleged corruption, inefficiency in service delivery, and a lack of progress in key areas.

“Nairobi deserves better. Despite a budget of over Sh40 billion, the county is collecting less revenue and performing poorly in service delivery. Governor Sakaja’s leadership has failed to meet the expectations of Nairobi residents,” Babu stated.

The outspoken MP also addressed rumors about Raila potentially endorsing Sakaja for a second term.

“Baba should know better. Sakaja has always opposed Raila’s presidency and consistently voted for his opponents since 2007. He is not one of us; he comes with dirty hands,” Babu said, alluding to Sakaja’s past political affiliations.

Babu further accused Sakaja of engaging in public relations stunts, including accompanying Raila on foreign trips as part of his campaign for the African Union Chairperson seat.

“These trips are mere theatrical PR gimmicks. Nairobians need a leader focused on solving local issues, not globetrotting for photo ops,” he added.

The MP hinted at growing discontent among political aspirants eyeing the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the next election.

“Over 20 candidates are preparing to challenge the current regime because of its failures. Baba should recognize those who genuinely love and support him, like myself,” Babu said.

This public critique comes amid mounting concerns over Nairobi’s governance, with residents expressing frustration over persistent issues such as waste management, insecurity, and stalled projects.