Sakaja hints at joining Raila's ODM Party ahead of 2027 elections
![Sakaja hints at joining Raila's ODM Party ahead of 2027 elections - From left: Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, AUC Chair candidate Raila Odinga and Ida Odinga at a prayer function for Odinga who is seeking the African Union Commission Chairperson seat. (Photo: ODM)](https://publish.eastleighvoice.co.ke/mugera_lock/uploads/2025/02/GjbJrS7WEAAMQHc.jpg)
Senior ODM Party officials led by chairperson Gladys Wanga and Makadara MP who is also the Nairobi chairperson George Aladwa praised Sakaja for working closely with the Orange party.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Monday hinted at plans of decamping from President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance Party to Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement Party ahead of the next election.
Sakaja's revelation was made at a prayer function for Odinga who is seeking the African Union Commission Chairperson seat.
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Senior ODM Party officials led by chairperson Gladys Wanga and Makadara MP who is also the Nairobi chairperson George Aladwa praised Sakaja for working closely with the Orange party.
"I want to thank in a special way our governor of Nairobi for standing with our party yet he is not a member. I am kindly pleading with him to leave UDA and join ODM so that we walk together," said Aladwa.
Governor Wanga on her part thanked Sakaja for being part of the organisers of the event, telling him that he stood with ODM, which enjoys the highest support in Nairobi County.
"We thank Sakaja for standing with ODM in Nairobi. Just like Aladwa has said, I want to ask Sakaja to give the matter of joining us a deep thought," Wanga said.
When he was given the opportunity to speak, the Nairobi governor said he had acknowledged the invitation, noting that the signs of rain are seen in heavy clouds.
"I have to respond to the requests made to me. I want to say that the signs of rainfall are heavy clouds and whoever has eyes should not be reminded to read the signs. We are together in this," said Sakaja.
Should Sakaja join ODM as he has suggested, then his decision might create a fallout within the party. Three weeks ago, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino expressed his dissatisfaction with Sakaja's leadership, accusing him of poor governance and urging ODM not to back him.
Speaking during a public address, Babu criticised the Governor's performance, citing alleged corruption, inefficiency in service delivery and lack of progress in key areas.
"Nairobi deserves better. Despite a budget of over Sh40 billion, the county is collecting less revenue and performing poorly in service delivery. Governor Sakaja's leadership has failed to meet the expectations of Nairobi residents," Babu stated.
The outspoken MP also addressed rumours about Raila potentially endorsing Sakaja for a second term.
"Baba should know better. Sakaja has always opposed Raila's presidency and consistently voted for his opponents since 2007. He is not one of us; he comes with dirty hands," Babu said, alluding to Sakaja's past political affiliations.
Babu further accused Sakaja of engaging in public relations stunts, including accompanying Raila on foreign trips as he campaigned for the African Union Chairperson seat.
"These trips are mere theatrical PR gimmicks. Nairobians need a leader focused on solving local issues, not globetrotting for photo ops," he added.
The MP hinted at growing discontent among political aspirants eyeing the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in the next election.
"Over 20 candidates are preparing to challenge the current regime because of its failures. Baba should recognise those who genuinely love and support him, like myself," Babu said.
This public critique comes amid mounting concerns over Nairobi's governance, with residents voicing frustration over persistent issues such as waste management, insecurity, and stalled projects.
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