Sakaja Urged to Join ODM if He Wants Backing for 2027 Nairobi Governor Race
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has once again told Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja that he must leave the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and officially join ODM if he expects the party to support his bid for a second term in the 2027 General Election.
The message was delivered during an empowerment event held in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, where Suna East Member of Parliament and ODM Director of Elections, Junet Mohamed, declared that the party would only stand behind Sakaja if he became a member of ODM.
Junet argued that remaining in UDA would not guarantee Sakaja another term as governor, insisting that ODM remains the dominant political force in Nairobi and has the influence needed to determine the city’s leadership after the next elections.
Addressing supporters at the event, Junet said Sakaja should make a political decision now if he hopes to retain the Nairobi gubernatorial seat. According to him, staying in UDA would significantly weaken the governor’s chances of being re-elected.
“If Sakaja still wants to be elected as Nairobi governor in 2027, then he should come to ODM. If he remains where he is, he will wait until Jesus comes back and nobody will elect him,” Junet told the gathering.
The ODM elections director further maintained that the party has no plans to support Sakaja while he remains in UDA, despite ongoing discussions about possible cooperation between ODM and UDA ahead of the next General Election. He insisted that ODM intends to field and support its own candidates for every elective position in Nairobi.
Junet expressed confidence that the Orange party would perform strongly in the capital, saying it is determined to win the governor’s seat, parliamentary seats, and county assembly positions. He emphasized that the party’s focus is on strengthening its own leadership rather than endorsing candidates from other political parties.
He also revealed that ODM already has a preferred candidate for the Nairobi governor’s race. However, he clarified that the individual is not Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has publicly expressed interest in contesting for the seat.
According to Junet, the party’s preferred candidate comes from the dissenting faction of the Linda Mwananchi political movement.
The latest remarks are not the first time ODM leaders have encouraged Sakaja to switch political parties. Similar calls were made in February 2025, when several ODM leaders, including Makadara MP George Aladwa, argued that Sakaja’s chances of securing another term as Nairobi governor would be much stronger if he joined ODM.
At the time, Sakaja did not directly reject the proposal but instead gave a response that many interpreted as leaving the door open for future political discussions.
He acknowledged the comments made by ODM leaders, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, and hinted that he would engage the party’s leadership.
“I have heard what Aladwa and Gladys Wanga have said. Where there are clouds, there is rain. In two weeks, I want to meet ODM leaders in Nairobi. I want to show you that I am one of you,” Sakaja said at the time.
With the 2027 General Election drawing closer, political activity is beginning to intensify across the country. Coalition talks between ODM and UDA continue to attract public attention, while potential candidates are positioning themselves for key elective seats.
In Nairobi, the contest for the governor’s seat is already shaping up to be one of the most closely watched races, with parties working to strengthen their support bases and identify candidates capable of securing victory.
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