- Sakaja also challenges ODM to uphold Raila’s legacy by defending the poor, championing social justice and rejecting tribal politics.
Nairobi residents have urged Governor Sakaja Johnson to join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after he put his political future to the crowd during the final memorial event in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi, Sakaja asked residents to choose between the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and ODM as he weighed his political direction ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Governor reminded residents that they had elected him first as Senator and later as Governor despite differences in their political affiliations, noting that even ODM supporters had backed his previous bids.
“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,” Sakaja said.
He then turned to the crowd, asking which political party they wanted him to join, prompting enthusiastic responses from supporters of the different parties.
“Now, this time, what are you saying? Which party should I join? UDA? DCP? How many ODM supporters want me to join UDA?” he posed.
When he subsequently asked how many wanted him to join ODM, sections of the crowd raised their hands and called on him to join the opposition party.Responding to the audience, Sakaja invoked the popular saying that the voice of the people is the voice of God, urging ODM’s party leadership to consider the residents’ wishes.
“The voice of the people is the voice of God. Chair and party leader, you will guide me,” he said, in remarks that appeared to leave the door open to a possible political realignment.
Although he did not announce a decision to leave his current political formation, the exchange offered a glimpse into the political conversations surrounding his future ahead of the 2027 elections.
Beyond the question of party affiliation, Sakaja challenged ODM to uphold the values championed by Raila, particularly defending the poor, promoting social justice and rejecting tribal politics.
He said Raila’s legacy should be reflected in leadership that speaks out whenever ordinary Kenyans face economic hardships, including the rising cost of living and fuel prices.
“Baba was the number one defender of the underprivileged. When the cost of living went up, he spoke. When fuel prices increased, he spoke. For ODM to remember Baba, it must uphold his values. When wananchi have problems, we must speak out,” Sakaja said.
He also called for national cohesion, warning politicians against exploiting ethnic differences for political gain and insisting that Nairobi must remain a city for all Kenyans regardless of their backgrounds.
