Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja Ditches UDA, Joins ODM to Defend Seat in 2027
Sakaja was welcomed into ODM on Monday, November 2, by senior party officials, including Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, at Chungwa House in Nairobi.
The move ends months of speculation about the political party the governor would use to seek a second term. It also places him within a party that has repeatedly expressed interest in fielding a candidate for Nairobi governor in the next election.
Sakaja’s decision comes amid growing political realignments as parties position themselves for the 2027 polls, with Nairobi expected to remain a major battleground.
Sakaja Signals ODM Move After Jacaranda Rally
During the rally, Sakaja asked supporters which party they wanted him to use in his re-election bid. The crowd reportedly responded by suggesting ODM.
He subsequently asked the ODM leaders present to welcome him into the party, paving the way for his appearance at Chungwa House on Monday.
The move gives Sakaja a new political platform as he prepares to defend the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, although his eventual nomination and re-election prospects will depend on the political process and the electorate.
ODM Leaders Had Pressured Sakaja to Join
The party has maintained that it has a significant presence in the capital and should field candidates for all elective positions, including governor.
Suna East MP Junet Mohammed previously urged Sakaja to join ODM if he intended to seek another term.
“I want to tell Sakaja that he still desires to be re-elected as Nairobi governor in 2027, then he should come to ODM. If he decides to remain where he is, he will wait until Jesus comes back, and nobody will elect him,” Junet said during an empowerment event in Kileleshwa Ward.
The remarks reflected ODM leaders’ efforts to persuade the governor to align himself with the party ahead of the next election.
Raila Odinga Previously Backed Sakaja’s Re-election
In 2025, Raila reaffirmed his support for Sakaja’s bid for a second term and urged ODM members to remember the governor during the 2027 elections.
In August 2026, Sakaja had hinted at a possible move away from the ruling party but said he was consulting different political leaders before making a final decision.
“I was very close with Raila Odinga. He was like my father, and I spent a lot of time with him. So we are still consulting, and before the end of August, we shall see what happens,” Sakaja said at the time.
His latest move signals the outcome of those consultations and places him within ODM as the next election approaches.
Nairobi Governor Race Takes Shape Ahead of 2027
The governor will also face the task of consolidating support within his new political home while preparing to defend his record in office.
For ODM, welcoming Sakaja brings a sitting governor into its ranks as it seeks to strengthen its position in the capital.
The next phase will focus on party org
anisation, possible nominations and negotiations involving leaders seeking various elective seats.
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Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja Ditches UDA, Joins ODM to Defend Seat in 2027
