Sakaja Officially Joins ODM, Pledges Support for Ruto’s 2027 Re-election

By Shadrack Mutai – Nairobi

 

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), declaring his intention to defend his gubernatorial seat on the party’s ticket in the 2027 General Election while backing President William Ruto’s re-election bid.

 

Sakaja made the announcement on Monday, November 2, 2026, where he pledged loyalty to the party, describing his entry as a deliberate political decision driven by conviction and a desire to strengthen ODM’s position in Nairobi.

 

“I am officially joining ODM today, and I will seek re-election on the party’s ticket. ODM is now in government, and we have one presidential candidate, President William Ruto, whom I am supporting for a second term,” he said.

 

His entry was welcomed by senior ODM leaders, who described him as a valuable addition to the party. Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati termed the Governor a “big fish” and pledged that he would be subjected to fair nominations.

 

 

Fellow Deputy Party Leader Hassan Joho said Sakaja’s move reflected a longstanding relationship with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, while party chairperson Gladys Wanga assured him of ODM’s support, declaring Nairobi an ODM stronghold.

 

“He is part of our family. Baba always referred to him as his son,” Wanga said.

 

National Assembly Minority Leader Junet Mohamed also welcomed the move, noting that ODM would now have a stronger political presence in Nairobi, with representation spanning Members of County Assembly, Members of Parliament and the Governor.

 

Sakaja dismissed claims that he had previously been operating as an ODM mole, explaining that his working relationship with the party dates back to the period when ODM enjoyed a majority in the Nairobi County Assembly, long before the formation of the broad-based government.

 

He insisted that his decision to join the party was not aimed at pushing out existing members or political aspirants.

 

“I am not joining ODM to take anyone’s space or replace anybody. I am joining to take my rightful position,” he said.

 

The Governor further pledged to uphold the political legacy of Raila Odinga by championing human rights, social justice, social democracy and devolution.

 

On the contest for the ODM gubernatorial ticket in Nairobi, Sakaja said he would engage with Makadara MP George Aladwa, who has also expressed interest in the party ticket, in a bid to find common ground.

 

His entry into ODM marks a political realignment ahead of the 2027 General Election, placing Nairobi’s gubernatorial contest and the party’s relationship with President Ruto’s re-election campaign in the spotlight.