Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson speaks during the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) event at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi on October 31,2026 /HANDOUT

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has ditched the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in a major political realignment ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Sakaja was officially welcomed to ODM on Monday, November 2, at the party headquarters, Chungwa House, in Nairobi, by senior officials led by Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati.

The move comes after weeks of speculation about his political future, with the governor increasingly associating himself with ODM activities and leaders.

His latest public signal came on Saturday, October 31, when he attended an ODM rally at Jacaranda Grounds, where he asked Nairobi residents to guide his political direction.

Speaking after joining the party, Sakaja attributed his decision to the influence of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, ODM's founding leader.

“Baba [Raila Odinga] is the one who told me to join ODM,” Sakaja said.

His entry into the opposition party introduces a new dimension to the contest for Nairobi's gubernatorial seat, particularly over who will secure the party's nomination.

A potential contest with Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino, is likely to attract attention. Owino has expressed interest in the governor's seat and has built a political profile around youth mobilisation and grassroots networks.

The nomination question is further complicated by Makadara MP George Aladwa, who has also positioned himself for the ODM gubernatorial ticket.

Party members have previously raised concerns about whether newcomers should be handed nominations or subjected to competitive party processes. Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai publicly questioned the party's willingness to accommodate Sakaja, arguing that ODM should also nurture leaders who have grown within its structures.

Outside ODM, the field includes Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, who has declared interest in the seat and has spoken about improving service delivery and infrastructure. Embakasi North MP James Gakuya is also associated with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) and has been linked to the race.

Former Nairobi county chief officer Geoffrey Mosiria has declared interest in the governorship, while Bishop Margaret Wanjiru is also among the names being mentioned in the emerging contest.

Sakaja, who served as Nairobi senator from 2017 to 2022, was elected governor in 2022. Before that, he was a nominated member of the National Assembly from 2013 to 2017 and chaired parliamentary committees, including the Labour and Social Welfare Committee.

His political move now places ODM's nomination process under scrutiny. Beyond party calculations, the contest is expected to centre on service delivery, infrastructure, transport, waste management and the management of Nairobi's growing urban needs.

The extent to which Sakaja's new party affiliation translates into support among ODM members and Nairobi voters remains to be seen.

His previous roles include National Chairman of The National Alliance and leader of the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association.

He has represented 13 African cities on the C40 steering committee, which focuses on local climate action and sustainable urban development.