Sakaja Officially Ditches UDA, Joins ODM Ahead of 2027 Gubernatorial Bid
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially ditched the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party as he prepares to defend his seat in 2027.
Sakaja was officially welcomed to ODM on Monday, November 2, by senior party officials, including Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, at Chungwa House, Nairobi.
According to the city boss, he will use the Orange Party to seek a second term as governor, putting an end to speculation over which party he would use.
The Signs Were There
In recent weeks, Sakaja had been signalling his political leanings, most recently attending an ODM rally at Jacaranda Grounds on Saturday, October 31.
During the rally, the governor asked his supporters which party they would like him to run on, with the public suggesting ODM.
Sakaja later asked ODM leadership present at the rally to welcome him to the party, before later appearing at Chungwa House on Monday.
ODM’s Long Courtship
ODM has for months courted Sakaja to join the party, maintaining that he stood a higher chance of getting re-elected on an ODM ticket rather than a UDA ticket.
The party maintains that it is the biggest party in the capital, and that it had to field a candidate for every position, including the gubernatorial post.
“I want to tell Sakaja that if 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,” said Suna East MP Junet Mohammed during an empowerment event in Kileleshwa Ward.
Raila’s Endorsement
In 2025, former ODM leader the late Raila Odinga had reaffirmed his support for Sakaja’s re-election in 2027, asking ODM members to remember him at the ballot.
In August 2026, the governor hinted at a move from the ruling party. However, he maintained that he was still consulting widely before making a decision, amid growing pressure from political supporters who wanted him to associate with ODM.
“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.
What This Means
Sakaja’s defection is a significant political shift in Nairobi, dealing a blow to UDA in the capital while strengthening ODM’s position ahead of the 2027 general election. The move ends months of speculation and sets up a high-stakes battle for City Hall.