Kasarani Member of Parliament Ronald Karauri has criticised Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja following his decision to ditch the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Karauri accused the governor of using his political realignment to divert attention from his performance at City Hall, arguing that changing political parties would not erase his record during his first term.
In a statement reacting to Sakaja’s move on Monday, November 2, Karauri recalled that the governor was elected in 2022 on a UDA ticket, insisting that his departure from the ruling party was not caused by disagreements with the party.
“Sakaja won Nairobi on a UDA ticket. He’s not leaving UDA because of any problem with the party — he’s running to ODM because he thinks a new colour will make people forget his record,” Karauri stated.
The legislator listed collapsed buildings, flooding, garbage management and unpaid bursaries among the issues he believes have characterised Sakaja’s administration.
He also criticised what he described as four years of poor management at City Hall, arguing that joining ODM would not shield the governor from accountability.
“Collapsed buildings, flooding, garbage, unpaid bursaries, and four years of City Hall mess. Atashangaa sana. Changing parties will not erase the monumental failure,” he added.
Karauri’s remarks came hours after Sakaja officially joined ODM during a reception at the party’s headquarters, Chungwa House, in Nairobi.
The governor was welcomed by senior party officials, including ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, bringing an end to months of speculation about his political future.
Sakaja had previously acknowledged receiving calls from ODM leaders, supporters and elected representatives urging him to join the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
His decision followed his appearance at an ODM rally at Jacaranda Grounds on Saturday, October 31, where he asked supporters whether he should join the Orange party.
The governor is expected to use the ODM platform to seek re-election, although the party’s nomination process will determine its eventual candidate for the Nairobi gubernatorial contest
Karauri’s criticism comes as he positions himself to challenge Sakaja and other aspirants for the Nairobi governorship in 2027.
The Kasarani MP has declared interest in the seat, citing building collapses, poor urban planning, flooding and weak enforcement of construction regulations as some of the challenges requiring urgent intervention.
In an interview on October 29, Karauri said he would conduct an audit of buildings across Nairobi to identify unsafe structures and developments operating without the necessary approvals if elected governor.
He has also expressed interest in seeking the ODM ticket for the Nairobi gubernatorial race, setting up a potential contest within the party.
The Nairobi contest is expected to attract several political figures, including Sakaja, Karauri and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
