Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially left the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Sakaja announced his decision on Monday, November 2, during a media briefing at Chungwa House, ODM’s national headquarters in Lavington, Nairobi.
The move comes as the governor prepares to defend his seat after winning the 2022 gubernatorial election on a UDA ticket.
His defection follows weeks of speculation about his political future after ODM leaders publicly invited him to join the party.
On Saturday, October 31, Sakaja attended a memorial event for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Jacaranda Grounds, where he asked Nairobi residents whether he should join UDA, ODM or the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP).
Sections of the crowd backed his entry into ODM, with the governor telling party leaders, “The voice of the people is the voice of God. Chair and party leader, you will guide me.”
In August, Sakaja confirmed that ODM officials, including MPs, youth and women representatives, had approached him to join the party.
He also disclosed that the late Raila Odinga had encouraged him to consider joining ODM.
However, his entry into the party does not guarantee him its ticket for the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race.
Makadara MP George Aladwa has also expressed interest in the seat, setting the stage for a possible contest during ODM’s nominations.
ODM leaders have maintained that aspirants should compete through the party’s nomination process rather than expect direct endorsements.
Sakaja was elected governor in August 2022 after defeating Jubilee candidate Polycarp Igathe. He previously served as Nairobi senator between 2017 and 2022.
His latest political move places him in a new party as he prepares for another battle for City Hall in 2027.
The post Sakaja Dumps UDA for ODM Ahead of 2027 Elections appeared first on Tukio.