Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially ditched the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sakaja was formally received into ODM on Monday, November 2, 2026, during an event at the party’s headquarters, Chungwa House, in Nairobi.
The governor was welcomed by senior ODM officials, including Deputy Party Leaders Simba Arati and Hassan Joho, party national chairperson Gladys Wanga and National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed.
His move brings an end to months of speculation about his political future after he confirmed in August that he was consulting on calls from ODM leaders and supporters urging him to join the party.
Speaking after joining ODM, Sakaja said he was bringing his experience, commitment to public service and youthful support to the political outfit.
“I bring with me the commitment I had to service, experience, energy and conviction that the next phase of politics, the next chapter of our politics must be measured not simply by elections we win but the lives we transform,” he said.
The governor also linked his decision to his close relationship with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom he described as a father figure.
“If Baba was here today, and he is the one who told me to join ODM, he said that Nairobi should remain bold and we will do everything to ensure that is present in ODM,” Sakaja stated.
The governor further declared his intention to defend his Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027 on the ODM ticket, setting up a potential contest for the party’s nomination.
He also indicated that he would support President William Ruto’s re-election bid under the broad-based government arrangement involving ODM and UDA.
“ODM is now in government, and we have one presidential candidate, President Ruto, under our broad-based government arrangement,” he said.
Sakaja also sought to reassure existing ODM members that his decision to join the party was not intended to displace other politicians or take over their political positions.
“I am not joining ODM to take anyone’s space or replace anybody. I am joining to take my rightful position,” he said.
He further revealed that he intended to engage Makadara MP George Aladwa, who has also expressed interest in seeking the party’s Nairobi gubernatorial ticket.
“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,” Sakaja stated.
Responding to his entry, Simba Arati welcomed the governor, describing him as a major addition to the party.
“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.
ODM chairperson Gladys Wanga also welcomed Sakaja, declaring that Nairobi was an ODM stronghold.
Sakaja’s decision follows months of political engagements with ODM officials who had been urging him to abandon UDA and join the Orange party.
On August 26, 2026, the governor confirmed that he had received invitations from ODM members and leaders but maintained that he was still consulting before making a final decision.
“There has been that call. Some officials and party members have said that they want me to move to their party,” he said during an interview with Radio Citizen.
He also disclosed that his relationship with Raila had influenced the discussions, saying the former Prime Minister had wanted him to join ODM before his death.
The governor subsequently attended an ODM gathering at Jacaranda Grounds on October 31, where he asked Nairobi residents whether he should join UDA, DCP or ODM.
After sections of the crowd called on him to join ODM, Sakaja told the party leadership: “The voice of the people is the voice of God. You will guide me.”
His formal entry into ODM now places him in the party’s contest for the Nairobi gubernatorial ticket ahead of the 2027 elections, with Aladwa and other interested aspirants also expected to pursue the nomination.
