Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has officially joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), declaring that he will defend his gubernatorial seat on the party’s ticket while backing President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.
Sakaja received a warm welcome from senior ODM leaders, who described him as a valuable addition to the party and pledged their support as he begins a new political chapter.
ODM Deputy Party Leaders Simba Arati and Hassan Joho, party chairperson Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed led the reception, assuring the governor of his place in the party.
Speaking after joining the party, Sakaja said his decision was driven by his desire to advance ODM’s ideals and strengthen its role in government, describing the move as both a personal declaration and a political statement.
“Let me state clearly that I am joining ODM. I bring energy and conviction, and I am ready to support the party as required and demonstrate the loyalty expected of every member,” he said.
The Governor affirmed his support for the broad-based government arrangement, saying ODM and UDA had a common presidential candidate in President Ruto.
“ODM is now in government, and we have one presidential candidate, President William Ruto, under our broad-based government arrangement,” he said.
Sakaja also declared his intention to seek a second term as Nairobi Governor, drawing a parallel with the President’s re-election ambitions.
“President Ruto is going for his second term, and Sakaja is also seeking a second term,” he said.
The governor addressed longstanding accusations that he was an ODM mole while serving in Nairobi under the UDA banner, saying his working relationship with ODM was necessitated by the party’s majority in the County Assembly.
“For a long time, I have been accused of being an ODM mole, yet I was simply working with everyone. As the UDA leader in Nairobi’s minority side, I had to work with ODM, which was the majority party in the County Assembly. This cooperation started long before the national broad-based government arrangement,” he said.
He criticised leaders who had questioned his engagement with ODM and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying political cooperation should not have been viewed through a tribal lens.
“Those who criticised me for working with ODM in Nairobi and engaging with Baba should now recognise that ODM is part of the national government. It is unfortunate that some leaders allowed tribal politics to cloud their judgment,” he said.
Sakaja maintained that he was not joining ODM to displace existing party members or take over anyone’s political position, but to establish his own place within the party.
“I am not joining ODM to take anyone’s space or replace anybody. I am joining to take my rightful position,” he said.
He paid tribute to Raila, saying the best way to honour his legacy was to advance the principles he championed, including human rights, social justice, social democracy and devolution.
“Now that ODM is in government, devolution will be stronger. Let us support and advance what Baba wanted for this country,” he said.
On the question of ODM’s Nairobi gubernatorial nominations, Sakaja said he would engage with ODM Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Aladwa, who has also expressed interest in seeking the party’s ticket for the seat.
“I will also meet Aladwa, who has expressed interest in vying for governor on the ODM ticket, and we will engage, agree and reach a conclusion,” he said.
Welcoming Sakaja, ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati said party leader Oburu Oginga had instructed him to receive the governor, whom he described as a “big fish”. He also assured members that the party would conduct free and fair nominations.
“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. We will give everyone an opportunity, and our nominations will be free and fair,” Arati said.
Arati also declared the party’s support for President Ruto’s re-election bid.
“As ODM, we shall also support William Ruto for the presidency,” he said.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Hassan Joho said Sakaja’s entry into the party was the culmination of a political journey that had been taking shape over time, citing his longstanding relationship with the late Raila Odinga.
“Welcome, Sakaja. He has always been close to Baba, and there is no doubt about that. His joining ODM is the culmination of a journey he started a long time ago. We are confident that he will support the party as required,” Joho said.
Party chairperson Gladys Wanga described Sakaja’s entry as a significant moment for ODM, declaring Nairobi an ODM stronghold and assuring the governor of the party’s support.
“Today is a great day. We warmly welcome Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson to ODM. Welcome to the party, Sakaja. We assure you of our support. Nairobi is an ODM zone,” she said.
Wanga noted that Sakaja had worked with ODM through the broad-based government arrangement, adding that his relationship with the party predated the national political arrangement between ODM and President Ruto.
“He has worked alongside ODM, despite coming from a minority party, to ensure Nairobi works. He is part of our family. Baba always referred to him as his son,” Wanga said.
National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed said Sakaja’s entry would strengthen ODM’s political representation in Nairobi, pointing to the party’s performance in the last General Election.
“We had a fruitful meeting on Saturday at Jacaranda, where you witnessed the strength of ODM as a party. In the last election, we secured the highest number of MCAs and Members of Parliament. Now, we will have MCAs, MPs and a Governor from our party,” Junet said.
Sakaja’s entry into ODM places him within the party as Nairobi’s 2027 gubernatorial contest begins taking shape. The question of the party’s eventual nominee, particularly given the interest expressed by other aspirants, is likely to feature prominently in the months ahead.
