By Hassan Wekesa - Editor
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Kenya, 2 November 2026 - Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja on Monday visited recuperating Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party Leader Dr Oburu Oginga at his Nairobi home.
Dr Oburu said ODM continues to grow and strengthen its roots, and that Sakaja’s joining the party marks a significant step.
“It was a great pleasure hosting Governor Johnson Sakaja at my home this evening. I was truly delighted to officially welcome him into the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) family,” Dr Oburu said.
Sakaja said that during the courtesy call at the Siaya Senator’s Nairobi home, he was warmly welcomed into the ODM family.
“I am honoured by the warm reception and look forward to working closely with the party leadership and members as we strengthen the party and uphold the ideals and legacy of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, particularly his commitment to social justice, inclusivity and the unity of our nation,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Sakaja, who won the gubernatorial seat on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, defected to ODM.
He was escorted to Chungwa House by ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and ODM Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati.
“I am very delighted to join this party, ODM. I am glad to be home finally,” Sakaja said.
The Nairobi county boss said his move was meant to honour earlier discussions he held with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, at the time when the former ODM Party Leader enjoyed a bromance with President William Ruto.
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Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, however, downplayed Sakaja’s shift from Ruto’s UDA to ODM, saying the county boss was keen to hide his failures behind a different colour to confuse voters in the 2027 General Election.
“Sakaja won Nairobi on a UDA ticket. He’s not leaving UDA because of any problem with the party. He’s running to ODM because he thinks a new colour will make people forget his record,” Captain Karauri said.
He cited collapsed buildings, flooding, uncollected garbage, unpaid bursaries and four years of mess at City Hall.
Karauri said Sakaja is in for a rude shock, as he will discover that "changing parties will not erase his monumental failures."
Karauri, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino of The Mwananchi Party (TMP) and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya are eyeing the Nairobi gubernatorial seat.
Other leaders who have declared interest in the county’s top job are Makadara MP George Aladwa and Geoffrey Mosiria.