Sakaja said discussions about his political transition had taken place between him, Ruto and Raila long before he officially joined ODM

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja during an interview with Ramogi TV/SCREENGRAB

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has revealed that his defection from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was planned in advance and had the blessings of President William Ruto and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Speaking during an interview with Ramogi TV on Tuesday, the governor disclosed that the plan was discussed even before Raila travelled to Addis Ababa, adding that the only outstanding issue was agreeing on the appropriate timing.

“The conversation of moving to ODM was something that we had with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President William Ruto,” Sakaja said.

He revealed that Ruto had informed him of the political arrangement and given him instructions on how to support ODM during its internal party elections, which he said he followed.

“Even before Raila went to Addis, the President told me, listen Baba is going for another seat, and we are here together. And remember at the time, ODM was having party elections. I was given instructions on how to support, which I did,” he said.

Sakaja said although the intention to join ODM had been agreed upon, the leaders had not settled on when the move would be made, partly because of the legal requirements governing political party membership and transitions.

“So the conversation was there, but the timing had not been agreed because we also have laws in this country. But the intention, the will and the decision were very clear to everyone,” he added.

The governor said his announcement had surprised some people despite the political signals that had preceded the move.

“Many people are saying they are not surprised; they are shocked. They are not surprised because they saw it coming, but they did not know when exactly it would be,” Sakaja said.

He defended the timing of his defection, saying it had now become easier for him to work within the emerging UDA-ODM political arrangement.

“I believe there is no better time than today, when we have done it. We are in the same house; it is easier for me now that we are working on the UDA-ODM coalition,” he said.

Following his defection, Sakaja visited ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, whom he said received him warmly.

He described his return to the party as coming back home, insisting that he was not seeking to displace existing party members.

“He was very happy, because I have come back home. I affirmed to him that I have not come to take anybody’s space; I have come for my space,” Sakaja said.

The governor officially joined ODM on November 2 at Chungwa House in Nairobi, where he was received by senior party officials, including Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati and National Chairperson Gladys Wanga.

Sakaja said he intended to contribute to the party's renewed political activities, adding that he would work to drive its resurgence in honour of Raila's legacy.