Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has stirred fresh political speculation after offering a cheeky yet ambiguous response to calls urging him to join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Sakaja Responds to Calls to Join ODM with a Cryptic Reply.
The governor was among leaders who attended Raila Odinga’s special prayer meeting at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, February 10, 2025, where ODM stalwarts seized the moment to persuade him to ditch UDA for ODM.
ODM Leaders Woo Sakaja at Raila’s AUC Prayers
While the event was primarily focused on Raila’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, it briefly turned political when Makadara MP George Aladwa publicly urged Sakaja to leave the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and join ODM.
“Baba, as you go to fight for your position at the AUC, I want to urge our governor, Sakaja, to leave UDA and join ODM. Let’s walk together,” Aladwa stated.
His sentiments were echoed by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who also called on Sakaja to consider switching political allegiance.
“At our party, we love each other. There is no hatred or jealousy,” Aladwa added in a dig at UDA’s internal divisions.
Sakaja’s Cryptic Response
Sakaja, who played a key role in organizing the Bomas prayer event, did not dismiss the calls outright but instead gave a vague, metaphorical reply.
“I’ve heard what Aladwa and (Gladys) Wanga have said. Where there are clouds, there is rain. In two weeks, I want to have a meeting with ODM bosses in Nairobi. I want to show you that I’m one of you.”
The remarks left the crowd intrigued, raising more questions than answers about Sakaja’s future political affiliations.
Raila’s Subtle Endorsement of Sakaja
Adding fuel to the speculation, Raila Odinga himself appeared to endorse Sakaja for re-election in 2027, signaling that he might back him for another term as Nairobi governor.
“I want Nairobi to remain united and strong. My son here will take charge.”
This statement is significant, as Nairobi remains one of Raila’s strongholds, and his endorsement could solidify Sakaja’s re-election bid.
A Growing Alliance or Political Maneuvering?
Despite not being an ODM member, Sakaja has long maintained close ties with Raila, even before the opposition leader mended political relations with President William Ruto.
Their recent public appearances together—including the Mjadala Afrika debate for AUC candidates in Addis Ababa on December 13, 2024—have fueled speculation about a deepening political relationship.
However, not all ODM leaders are on board with Sakaja’s growing ties to the party.
- Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has been outspoken in his criticism of Sakaja, dismissing his support for Raila’s AUC bid as a “political gimmick.”
- Owino also criticized Raila for allegedly endorsing Sakaja, questioning why the party should support a non-ODM candidate for Nairobi governor in 2027.
What’s Next for Sakaja?
With speculation mounting, the big question is:
✔️ Is Sakaja seriously considering a move to ODM?
✔️ Or is he strategically maintaining good relations with both sides for political survival?
His upcoming meeting with ODM leaders in Nairobi could provide more clarity on where his political future lies.
For now, Sakaja remains a wildcard in Kenya’s shifting political landscape, carefully navigating between UDA and ODM while keeping his cards close to his chest.
