Sakaja Signals Possible ODM Move as 2027 Nairobi Governor Race Takes Shape

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has hinted at a possible political shift from President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the 2027 General Election.

As Nairobi’s governor, Sakaja is being eyed by ODM leaders as a possible contender for their party if he intends to get it to support his bid for re-election.

The governor has revealed his interest in exploring his political options, but has not decided yet. He said he was talking with several individuals before deciding on the political means he’ll use to defend his seat in 2027.

He plans to make his decision public before the end of August 2026, ending the rumours of whether he will stay in UDA or be joining ODM, Sakaja said.

Sakaja also spoke about his previous engagement with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, calling him a father figure, and noting the relationship they had enjoyed.

I was very close to Raila Odinga; he was like a father to me and was with me a lot,” he said. So, we are still consulting and before the end of August we will see what happens,” Sakaja said.

The governor’s remarks come amid growing political activities from parties and leaders to gauge their readiness to consolidate their position ahead of the 2027 general elections, with Nairobi emerging as a major battleground.

Since then ODM has been keen on exerting more political leverage in the capital city, where it had garnered massive votes during the 2022 General Election. Its leaders have therefore stated that Sakaja might have to formally attach itself with the party if it wants them to back it in the next elections.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed had earlier sent a direct message to the governor asking him to join ODM if he was interested in getting another term.

Opposing re-election, Junet said it would be hard for Sakaja to stand as a UDA member in Nairobi, arguing that ODM provided him with a better political base there.

But it seems that Sakaja recognized the party’s influence but has not yet decided to join it. He said ODM continues to be very popular in Nairobi as evidenced in the party’s presence in the city’s office bearers.

The governor noted that ODM is the affiliation of Nairobi’s senator and woman representative while the party has a huge parliamentary presence in the capital.

“Of course, ODM is the most popular party in Nairobi,” Sakaja said.

In spite of the fact that he knew that ODM was in the majority, Sakaja has always insisted that his political fortunes are not solely determined by party structures. He said that voters have voted for him in the past due to how they view him as a person.

The governor has thanked Nairobi residents who voted for him based on their own judgment, saying that his personal political brand might continue to play a key role in the 2027 election.

Political realignment is already underway in various regions of the country, with politicians getting ready for the upcoming General Election.

A number of politicians and elected officials have recently stepped away from UDA. Those that have been reported to have ended or switched their affiliation to the party include Murang’a MP Gabriel Kagombe, Badilisha Kiarie, governor of Nyandarua, Aisha Jumwa former Gender Cabinet Secretary and Muthoni Marubu, Lamu Woman Representative. As Sakaja is anticipated to declare his political direction before the end of August, it could have a huge impact on the new political contest that is unfolding in the 2027 General Election in Nairobi.