Former aide to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Silas Jakakimba, has rejoined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) after leaving the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Jakakimba announced his return to ODM on Monday, saying the decision followed consultations within the broad-based political arrangement and reflected the aspirations of residents of Suba North Constituency, where he intends to contest the parliamentary seat in 2027.
He said residents had called for a change in leadership and development priorities, adding that the growing support for the broad-based political arrangement informed his decision to seek the seat on an ODM ticket.
“Alignment consultations from and with the highest rank and file of our broad-based sister parties, the ruling UDA party formation and the ODM party, pursuant to that popular desire by the great people of Suba North, have today yielded to the necessary move to execute our aspiration to represent the people of Suba North Constituency, still within the broad-based family and on the Orange Democratic Movement Party platform,” he said.
Jakakimba said he had received the blessings and guidance of President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga ahead of the move.
“A life member of Baba's Party, and both a decades-old understudy and shadow of democracy icon HE Raila Odinga, I am honoured that prior to today's transition, I have benefited directly from full blessings, counsel and wisdom of my current mentors, UDA Party Leader, Excellency the President William Ruto and ODM Party Leader HE Hon. Dr Oburu Oginga,” he said.
He also thanked ODM officials, including party chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Secretary General Catherine Omanyo, Minority Leader Junet Mohamed and Executive Director Oduor Ong'wen, for welcoming him back into the party.
Jakakimba pledged to support efforts to strengthen ODM and its grassroots structures in Suba North as he prepares to contest the constituency's parliamentary seat.
He said his immediate focus would be on grassroots consultations and mobilising residents to register for national identity cards and voter registration, as well as encouraging voter participation.
Jakakimba joined UDA in March 2024, months after leaving ODM, saying at the time that he wanted to support President Ruto and his administration.
He described his latest political move as a transition within the broad-based political arrangement, saying he remained committed to working with the people of Suba North to improve livelihoods and promote inclusive leadership.
