Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially left President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), setting the stage for a fresh political contest ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sakaja made the announcement on Monday, November 2, 2026, during a visit to ODM headquarters, Chungwa House, in Nairobi, where he was formally welcomed by senior party officials, including Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati.
The move marks a significant political realignment for the governor, who was elected in 2022 on a UDA ticket and is now positioning himself to defend his Nairobi gubernatorial seat under a different political party.
According to reports, Sakaja intends to seek re-election on the ODM ticket while maintaining his support for President Ruto’s broad-based government.
His decision follows weeks of speculation over his political future, with growing calls from ODM leaders and supporters urging him to join the party ahead of the next general election.
Jacaranda Rally Signalled His Political Shift
Sakaja’s departure from UDA comes just days after he appeared to seek public approval for the move during an ODM memorial gathering at Jacaranda Grounds on Saturday, October 31.
While addressing the crowd, the governor asked Nairobi residents whether he should join UDA, ODM or Rigathi Gachagua’s Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
Sections of the crowd overwhelmingly called on him to join ODM.
Responding to the reception, Sakaja invoked the popular expression that the voice of the people is the voice of God, asking ODM’s leadership to guide his political direction.
He also challenged the party to uphold the legacy of its late former leader, Raila Odinga, particularly in defending ordinary Kenyans, promoting social justice and rejecting tribal politics.
ODM Ticket Battle Could Present Fresh Challenges
Despite joining ODM, Sakaja’s path to securing the party’s gubernatorial ticket may not be straightforward.
Makadara MP George Aladwa has previously emerged as a potential contender for the Nairobi governor’s seat, with sections of ODM leadership insisting that aspirants should compete through the party’s nomination process.
The development means Sakaja could face an internal political contest before securing the opportunity to defend his seat under the ODM banner.
A New Chapter in Nairobi Politics
Sakaja’s defection is expected to reshape political calculations in Nairobi as parties begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.
His move is particularly significant given that he intends to remain supportive of Ruto’s broad-based government despite abandoning the President’s party.
The governor’s decision also reflects the changing political alliances ahead of the next election, with leaders increasingly reassessing their party affiliations and electoral strategies.
Having secured ODM membership, Sakaja now faces the task of consolidating support within the party while maintaining his political influence across Nairobi’s diverse electorate.
The ultimate test will be whether he can secure the ODM nomination and convince voters to give him another term at City Hall.
