Sakaja Confirms Talks to Leave UDA for ODM Amid Nairobi Political Shifts

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has confirmed that he is in talks with officials and supporters over a possible move from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), potentially altering the political landscape in the capital ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Sakaja said he is consulting with relevant parties before making a final decision, stressing that no formal move has been announced.

"There has been that call," Sakaja said during an interview with Radio Citizen on Wednesday, confirming that ODM officials and party members have expressed interest in having him join the party.

Raila Odinga's Influence

Sakaja said his longstanding relationship with the late Raila Odinga was a major factor behind the discussions.

The governor described Odinga as being like a father to him and said the former ODM leader had also wanted him to join the party.

"In October, we will be marking one year since Raila left us and we were very close, he was like my father, and he also wanted that. We were in touch a lot before his death," Sakaja said.

His comments indicate that discussions about a potential move to ODM had been taking place before Odinga's death and have continued to gain momentum.

No Official Exit Date

Despite confirming the talks, Sakaja said he has not set a date for leaving UDA.

"There is no official date for when we will leave UDA, but the call is there," he said.

The governor added that he would consider the views of his supporters before making a decision.

"It is something I am observing, we must also look at what people are saying. If that's what they want then I am their employee," he said.

Sakaja was elected Nairobi governor in 2022 on a UDA ticket and remains a prominent figure within the party's political structure in the capital.

Gachagua Mocks UDA's Nairobi Influence

Sakaja's remarks came a day after Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua questioned UDA's political strength in Nairobi.

Gachagua claimed that President William Ruto's political camp was losing key allies, including Sakaja, as politicians reassessed their party affiliations ahead of the next election.

"UDA is done. I hear Sakaja wants to move to ODM led by Oburu. We wish you the best. And even the ODM has nothing. It is a shell," Gachagua said.

He made the remarks while receiving a group of political leaders and officials who had defected from UDA, Jubilee and other political parties.

Among those received by Gachagua was Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan.

Potential Implications for 2027

Sakaja's possible move to ODM could have significant implications for Nairobi's political contest ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The governor's popularity and control of the capital's political machinery make his party affiliation an important consideration for both UDA and ODM as they position themselves for the next electoral cycle.

For now, however, Sakaja has stopped short of confirming a defection.

His admission that discussions are underway is likely to intensify speculation over whether the Nairobi governor will seek a second term under the UDA banner or make the switch to ODM.

The final decision is expected to depend on ongoing consultations, the position of ODM officials and, crucially, the preferences of Sakaja's supporters.