Sakaja Joins ODM and Will Defend Nairobi Seat on Party Ticket

Kenya , November 02, 2026 - Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially joined the Orange Democratic Movement. He says he will seek re-election on the party’s ticket in 2027.

Sakaja made the announcement on 2 November while appearing with ODM officials. He left the United Democratic Alliance and became a member of ODM. He also said he will continue supporting the broad-based government that brings together leaders from both UDA and ODM.

The move ends months of public speculation. In late October, Sakaja had asked a large crowd at Jacaranda Grounds which party he should join. Many people shouted for him to join ODM. He replied that the voice of the people is the voice of God and left the decision open. Today he closed that chapter by formally switching sides.

Sakaja was elected Nairobi governor in 2022 on a UDA ticket. Nairobi has long been an ODM stronghold, and many party supporters had been calling on him to join if he wanted their backing in the next election. ODM leaders and members had approached him several times since August. He has also spoken of his late close relationship with Raila Odinga, who once encouraged him to join the orange party.

The decision is not without challenges. Some ODM leaders in Nairobi, including Makadara MP George Aladwa, have insisted that any new member must face competitive nominations. Party delegates had earlier rejected the idea of a direct ticket for Sakaja and backed Aladwa for the governor’s race. How the party handles the nomination process will now be closely watched.