Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja says he discussed joining ODM with Ruto and Raila.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja says talks with the two leaders began during Raila Odinga’s 2025 African Union Commission campaign.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja says he discussed his ODM move with President William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga before publicly leaving UDA.
Speaking to Ramogi TV on November 3, Sakaja said the talks began during Raila’s 2025 African Union Commission chairmanship campaign. However, the leaders had not initially settled on when he would switch parties.
Sakaja traces ODM move to earlier talks
Sakaja said Ruto spoke to him about working together before Raila travelled to Addis Ababa for the AUC contest. The governor described his eventual departure from UDA as a decision that followed those earlier discussions.
Following the talks, Sakaja said he began taking part in ODM activities. He also said he received instructions on supporting the party’s Nairobi elections and carried them out.
The governor pointed to people involved in the Nairobi party elections as witnesses to his support. He maintained that his intention to join ODM had been clear, even while the timing remained uncertain.
For that reason, Sakaja said his announcement did not surprise people who had anticipated the switch. However, he said they had not known when he would formally make the move.
Party switch ahead of 2027 governor race
Sakaja joined ODM on November 2 as he prepares to seek another term as Nairobi governor in 2027. Party chairperson Gladys Wanga and deputy party leader Simba Arati were among the officials who welcomed him.
Before the defection, Sakaja had publicly expressed interest in joining the party. In August 2026, he also hinted at leaving UDA but said he was still consulting widely before deciding.
Meanwhile, political supporters had been pressing him to associate with ODM. The switch now places him in the party ahead of his re-election bid.
Raila had earlier signalled support for Sakaja’s second-term ambitions while announcing his bid for the AUC chairmanship. At the time, he urged ODM members to back the governor in the 2027 election.
