Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially left President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party and joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), marking a significant shift in his political allegiance ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sakaja announced his decision on Monday while addressing journalists at the ODM headquarters, Chungwa House, in Nairobi, bringing an end to weeks of speculation about his political future.
The move comes after the governor repeatedly signalled his interest in joining the opposition party, including during a memorial event held in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Jacaranda Grounds last Saturday.
During the event, Sakaja openly sought the views of Nairobi residents on whether he should remain in UDA, join ODM or move to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
His remarks sparked widespread speculation about a possible political realignment, with the governor appearing increasingly comfortable with the prospect of working under ODM’s leadership.
Sakaja had also previously acknowledged that several ODM leaders and members had approached him and encouraged him to join the party, further fuelling expectations of his eventual departure from UDA.
His decision now places him at the centre of emerging political realignments in Nairobi, particularly as parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, his entry into ODM is likely to raise questions about the party’s plans for the Nairobi gubernatorial contest, especially regarding who will eventually secure its nomination ticket.
Makadara Member of Parliament George Aladwa is among the politicians whose names have been mentioned as potential ODM candidates for the Nairobi governor's seat in 2027.
The development could therefore set the stage for an intense contest within the party, with Sakaja potentially facing competition from other aspirants seeking to fly the ODM flag in the capital.
ODM leaders have previously maintained that aspirants seeking elective positions under the party must compete through its nomination process rather than expect direct endorsements or automatic tickets.
This position could prove significant as the party navigates the interests of new entrants and long-standing members seeking elective positions in the next general election.
Sakaja was elected Nairobi Governor in 2022 on a UDA ticket after defeating several contenders in the gubernatorial race.
His departure from the ruling party and decision to join ODM marks a major political development in the capital, with attention now shifting to how the move will shape Nairobi's political landscape and the battle for the governor's seat in 2027.
