Kenya: Sakaja Joins ODM, Announces 2027 Nairobi Governorship Bid On Party Ticket

What the report says

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and says he will seek a second term in 2027 on the party’s ticket, according to Capital FM’s report distributed by AllAfrica. The announcement marks a notable shift in his political alignment as he moves away from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the party that backed his 2022 win in Nairobi.

The article says Sakaja’s decision comes after months of speculation about whether he would leave UDA. It also notes that he has reaffirmed support for President William Ruto’s broad-based government, which has brought together leaders from UDA and ODM in a cooperation arrangement. That alignment appears to be part of his strategy as he positions himself for the next election cycle.

The report adds that ODM leaders and supporters had been urging Sakaja to join the party if he wanted its backing for the governorship race. At the same time, party officials have signaled that aspirants will still need to go through ODM’s nomination process rather than expect an automatic ticket. Nairobi ODM chairman George Aladwa had previously said all contenders, including defectors, would be subjected to nominations.

Sakaja’s move sets up an early contest for ODM’s Nairobi ticket and highlights how changing alliances are shaping Kenyan politics ahead of the August 2027 general election.