Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially dumped President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), declaring his intention to defend his seat on the party’s ticket in the 2027 General Election.

Despite switching parties, Sakaja pledged to support Ruto’s re-election bid, aligning himself with the broad-based government arrangement between ODM and the President.

Speaking at ODM headquarters, Chungwa House, in Nairobi on Monday, November 2, Sakaja said his decision marked a new chapter in his political career.

“I am not joining ODM to take anyone’s space or replace anybody. I am joining to take my rightful position,” he said.

The governor pledged loyalty to ODM, saying he would bring his experience, energy and political support to strengthen the party ahead of the next election.

His defection ends months of speculation over his political future and sets the stage for a potentially competitive battle for ODM’s Nairobi gubernatorial ticket.

Sakaja was welcomed by senior party officials, including Deputy Party Leaders Simba Arati and Hassan Ali Joho, National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.

Arati described the governor as a “big fish” whose entry would strengthen ODM’s political influence in the capital.

He assured Sakaja and other aspirants that the party would conduct free and fair nominations, signalling that his entry would not automatically guarantee him the gubernatorial ticket.

“Karibu ODM, Sakaja. Our party leader, Oburu Oginga, instructed me to receive you into the party. Sakaja is a big fish, and we warmly welcome him,” Arati said.

Arati also declared ODM’s support for Ruto’s presidential re-election bid.

Joho described Sakaja’s move as the culmination of a longstanding political relationship with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Wanga echoed the sentiments, declaring Nairobi an ODM stronghold and welcoming the governor into the party.

“He is part of our family. Baba always referred to him as his son,” Wanga said.

Junet said Sakaja’s entry would consolidate ODM’s political representation in Nairobi, where the party already enjoys significant support among Members of Parliament and Members of County Assembly.

Sakaja also dismissed past claims that he had secretly been working for ODM while serving under UDA.

He said his cooperation with ODM leaders began when the party held the majority in the Nairobi County Assembly, long before the formation of the broad-based government.

The governor further pledged to uphold Raila’s political legacy by championing human rights, social justice, social democracy and devolution.

However, his entry into ODM raises questions over the party’s gubernatorial nominations, with Makadara MP George Aladwa among those who have expressed interest in the seat.

Sakaja said he would engage Aladwa to seek common ground ahead of the nominations.

The political switch now places Sakaja at the centre of ODM’s battle for control of Nairobi, with the party’s nomination process expected to be a key test of his 2027 ambitions.

Follow our social media pages for breaking news updates, in-depth stories and videos.

news@nairobilens.ke