Kenya: Sakaja Meets Oburu Moments After Decamping to ODM

What the report says

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has met Orange Democratic Movement leader Oburu Oginga shortly after announcing that he was joining ODM, according to Capital FM’s report distributed by AllAfrica. The meeting took place at Oburu’s home in Nairobi on Monday evening, where the party leader formally welcomed Sakaja into the opposition party.

Oburu described Sakaja’s entry as a boost for ODM as it seeks to widen its support base and strengthen its political position. In remarks shared on social media, he said he was pleased to host the governor and receive him into the party. Sakaja, in turn, thanked him for the reception and said he was ready to work with ODM leaders and members.

The move follows Sakaja’s earlier appearance at ODM headquarters in Nairobi, where senior officials including Deputy Party Leaders Simba Arati and Hassan Joho, and National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, received him. The governor said he was bringing his experience and energy to the party and linked his decision to encouragement from the late Raila Odinga. The report says the defection is likely to affect the Nairobi political landscape ahead of the 2027 election cycle, including the competition for ODM’s gubernatorial ticket. Sakaja has said he still intends to seek a second term as governor while maintaining support for President William Ruto under the broader political arrangement described in the article.