Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), ending months of speculation over the political party he will use to seek re-election in the 2027 General Election.
Sakaja was received by senior ODM officials, including Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, at the party’s headquarters, Chungwa House, in Nairobi on Monday, November 2, 2026.
Welcoming the governor, Arati said: “Mheshimiwa Artha umeingia katika chama cha ODM Karibu. Karibu. Karibu sana.”
Sakaja’s entry into ODM marks a departure from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the ruling party under which he was elected Nairobi governor in 2022.
The move positions him to pursue a second term on the ODM ticket, although the party’s nomination process will determine its eventual candidate for the Nairobi gubernatorial race.
Sakaja signals ODM move at Jacaranda rally
The governor’s entry into ODM follows weeks of political signals pointing towards a possible switch, including his appearance at an ODM rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
During the rally, Sakaja asked supporters which party they wanted him to join, with the crowd calling for him to move to ODM.
He then asked the party leadership present to welcome him, setting the stage for Monday’s reception at Chungwa House.
ODM leaders had previously encouraged Sakaja to join the party, arguing that he would have to compete for its ticket through the party’s nomination process ahead of the 2027 elections.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed had earlier urged the governor to join ODM if he wanted to retain his seat.
“I want to tell Sakaja that he still desires to be re-elected as Nairobi governor in 2027, then he should come to ODM. If he decides to remain where he is, he will wait until Jesus comes back, and nobody will elect him,” Junet said during an empowerment event in Kileleshwa Ward.
Sakaja recalls close relationship with Raila
Sakaja’s political association with ODM has also been linked to his relationship with the party’s late former leader, Raila Odinga.
In 2025, Raila publicly backed Sakaja’s re-election bid, urging ODM members to support him at the ballot.
In August 2026, Sakaja hinted at a possible move to ODM but said he was still consulting before making a final decision.
“I was very close with Raila Odinga. He was like my father, and I spent a lot of time with him. So we are still consulting, and before the end of August, we shall see what happens,” Sakaja said.
His reception at Chungwa House on Monday now formalises his move to the Orange party as Nairobi’s 2027 gubernatorial contest begins to take shape.
