Sakaja Says ODM Move Will Not Affect Relationship With Ruto

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has defended his decision to leave the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), insisting that the move will not interfere with his relationship with President William Ruto.

Speaking during an interview with Ramogi TV on Tuesday evening, November 3, Sakaja described his decision as a political transition within the broad-based government arrangement rather than a departure from the administration he has worked with over the past four years.

The governor argued that his political alignment with ODM formalises a relationship that has existed for years, particularly through cooperation with the ODM-dominated Nairobi County Assembly.

According to Sakaja, effective leadership requires cooperation across political divides, noting that his administration has depended on political consensus to pass budgets and implement essential county legislation.

He maintained that prioritising party loyalty over service delivery would have undermined Nairobi's development agenda.

“People used to say that I was an ODM mole, but the reality is that I understood the importance of working with everyone for the benefit of Nairobi residents,” Sakaja said.

Sakaja Backs Ruto's 2027 Presidential Bid

The governor also linked his decision to the broader political cooperation between ODM and UDA under President William Ruto's administration.

He maintained that the President had given his blessing to the political transition, arguing that leaders should be free to move between the two parties as long as they remain committed to the broad-based government arrangement.

Sakaja expressed confidence that ODM would remain part of the political formation supporting Ruto's administration as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.

His position comes despite his decision to join a party that historically operated in opposition before entering into the broad-based government arrangement.

Invokes Raila Odinga's Legacy

Sakaja also cited his relationship with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, ODM's founding leader, as an important factor behind his decision to join the party.

He said their relationship was built around discussions on Nairobi's development and the need for a stable political environment that would allow the capital to achieve its potential.

The governor described his entry into ODM as the culmination of an existing political understanding rather than a sudden change of political direction.

He further appealed to former ODM members who had left the party to consider returning, arguing that unity would help preserve the political vision associated with Raila.

Governor Sets Sights on Second Term

Beyond his political realignment, Sakaja has made his intention to seek a second term as Nairobi Governor clear.

He argued that Nairobi has experienced repeated disruptions in county leadership, which he believes have affected the implementation of long-term development programmes.

The governor cited the removal of former Governor Mike Sonko and the subsequent intervention of the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) as examples of interruptions that affected the city's experience with devolution.

He maintained that Nairobi needs continuity in leadership to allow ongoing projects and development programmes to deliver meaningful results.

Among the priorities he outlined are expanding the Dishi na County school feeding programme, improving roads and street lighting, equipping hospitals and strengthening waste management.

He also proposed transforming waste into valuable resources while expanding sports and recreational facilities across the capital.

Sakaja's move to ODM marks another significant political realignment ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the party's Nairobi gubernatorial nomination expected to attract interest from several political figures.

His entry into the party also raises questions about how ODM will accommodate existing aspirants while positioning itself for the next electoral contest.