ODM moves to quell tension in party, denies endorsing Sakaja's reelection bid
The party's chairperson Gladys Wanga said Raila only asked leaders in Nairobi to work under Sakaja for now, and that has nothing to do with the 2027 election contest.
The Orange Democratic Movement Party on Tuesday morning moved to quickly quell rising tension in the party after it hinted at supporting Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's reelection bid in 2027.
The party leadership on Monday at a prayer convention in Nairobi held in honour of party leader Raila Odinga's Africa Union Commission Chairmanship bid heaped praises on Sakaja, urging him to join the orange party in a move that was seen as endorsing his reelection bid.
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To avert a fallout in the party following discontentment raised by supporters of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino who is Sakaja's greatest critic, the party's chairperson Gladys Wanga while speaking during an interview at Ramogi FM denied that Raila's party is backing Sakaja.
"I want to say that Babu Owino is a strong member of the ODM Party and he has come out strongly to prove that. He is a strong and respected member of the party and nobody can deny him whatever position he would want in the party if we go for a free and fair party primaries or even elections," Wanga said.
Wanga went further to explain that Raila never endorsed Sakaja or backed his reelection bid. According to the Homa Bay governor, Raila only asked leaders in Nairobi to work under Sakaja for now, and that has nothing to do with the 2027 election contest.
"Jakom (Raila) never talked about 2027. I want us to be clear here. He only wants Nairobi to be politically steady under the stewardship of Sakaja. He never talked about 2027. I want to make it clear here on behalf of the party that all aspirants interested in the governorship position will come out and contest freely," assured Wanga.
Wanga's move to calm the brewing political storm came after 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 praised
Senior ODM Party officials led by 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.
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 allowed 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.
Raila urged Nairobi leaders to remain united as he entrusted Sakaja with the responsibility of leading the city's political affairs in his absence.
Referring to Sakaja as his son, Raila assured ODM members in the capital that they should remain steadfast while he is away, as the governor will oversee all political matters.
"I want Nairobi to remain united and strong. My son here will take charge," Raila said, pointing at Sakaja during a prayer meeting at the Bomas of Kenya.
Sakaja, a member of the ruling UDA party, attended the event, which was organised by women affiliated with ODM.
During the event, Sakaja said he would organise a meeting with ODM women leaders in Nairobi to show his political direction ahead of 2027.
Babu has been Sakaja's ardent critic, accusing him of abetting irredeemable incompetence, graft and maladministration. Three weeks ago, he accused him of inaction despite huge budgetary allocations.
"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 remarked, alluding to Sakaja's past political affiliations.
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