Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s political decision to abandon the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has brought renewed attention to the influence former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had on his political future.
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Sakaja officially joined ODM on Monday, November 2, 2026, ending months of speculation about the political party he intends to use as he seeks a second term as Nairobi governor in the 2027 General Election.
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Speaking after being welcomed at the party’s headquarters, Chungwa House, in Nairobi, Sakaja revealed that his decision was partly influenced by his close relationship with the late Raila Odinga, whom he described as a father figure.
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The governor made a significant revelation, claiming that Raila had personally encouraged him to join ODM before his death.
“Baba, Raila Odinga is the one who told me to join ODM,” Sakaja said.
The revelation offers a glimpse into the political conversations the two leaders held before Raila’s death and suggests that Sakaja’s latest political realignment is connected to discussions that had taken place earlier.
Raila, who founded ODM, had also previously expressed support for Sakaja’s political ambitions, including his bid to retain the Nairobi gubernatorial seat.
His influence within ODM and his relationship with the Nairobi governor could therefore have played an important role in shaping the political direction Sakaja has now taken.
Sakaja Faces Battle for ODM Ticket
Despite securing entry into ODM, Sakaja’s journey towards re-election is far from guaranteed.
His biggest immediate challenge could be securing the party’s gubernatorial nomination, with several political figures already associated with ambitions to occupy City Hall.
Among those linked to the race is Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has established a strong political following in Nairobi.
Makadara MP George Aladwa has also positioned himself within the emerging contest for the ODM ticket.
Other politicians, including Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, are also expected to feature prominently in the wider 2027 gubernatorial contest.
Sakaja’s entry into ODM therefore sets the stage for a potentially competitive nomination battle, particularly as the party considers its best candidate to defend Nairobi’s gubernatorial seat.
A New Political Chapter for Nairobi
The governor’s departure from UDA marks a major political shift from the party that sponsored his successful 2022 gubernatorial campaign.
His appearance at the ODM rally at Jacaranda Grounds on October 31 had already signalled his changing political direction.
During the gathering, he asked Nairobi residents to guide him on the party they wanted him to associate with before subsequently seeking a formal welcome into ODM.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, Sakaja’s move could significantly reshape Nairobi’s political landscape.
However, whether Raila’s political legacy and Sakaja’s new party affiliation will translate into another electoral victory remains to be seen.
