Karauri has challenged Sakaja’s record following the governor’s move to ODM.
The Kasarani MP challenges Sakaja’s record as the governor joins ODM and prepares to seek a second term in 2027.
Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri has criticised the Sakaja ODM move, arguing that switching parties cannot erase the governor’s record. He accused Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja of seeking political cover from scrutiny over his administration.
Karauri, who wants to contest the Nairobi governorship in 2027, challenged Sakaja’s departure from the United Democratic Alliance. Sakaja won the governor’s seat on a UDA ticket in 2022.
The MP cited collapsed buildings, flooding, garbage accumulation and unpaid bursaries as grounds for judging Sakaja’s leadership. He also argued that voters should assess service delivery rather than the governor’s new political affiliation.
Sakaja ODM move sets up nomination contest
Meanwhile, Sakaja formally joined ODM on Monday and declared his intention to seek re-election through the party. He assured existing members that he did not intend to displace them or take their political positions.
The governor also said he would engage ODM leaders and other aspirants over the Nairobi gubernatorial ticket. Those discussions would include Aladwa, whom Sakaja identified as another aspirant seeking the party’s nomination.
ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati welcomed Sakaja and promised equal opportunities and fair nominations. Arati said party leader Oburu Oginga had instructed him to receive the governor.
Fellow deputy leader Hassan Joho, chairperson Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed also attended the reception. Joho linked the move to Sakaja’s longstanding relationship with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Wanga, meanwhile, assured Sakaja of support and described Nairobi as an ODM stronghold. Junet said the governor’s arrival would strengthen the party’s representation in the capital.
Governor defends cooperation with ODM
Sakaja also defended his earlier cooperation with ODM while serving as a UDA governor. He said ODM’s majority in the Nairobi County Assembly required him to work across party lines to deliver services.
That cooperation, he added, began before the national broad-based government arrangement between ODM and UDA. He rejected suggestions that working with ODM meant he had secretly represented the party.
On national politics, Arati declared ODM’s support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027. Sakaja likewise said the broad-based arrangement had settled on Ruto as its presidential candidate.
The governor linked his own second-term ambitions to Ruto’s pursuit of another mandate. He also said joining ODM offered an opportunity to advance Raila’s ideals, including human rights, social justice and devolution.
