Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has met ODM Party leader Oburu Oginga following his entry into the Orange Democratic Movement.
The meeting took place at Oburu's home on Monday evening, where the party leader officially welcomed him into the ODM family.
The governor expressed gratitude for the reception, pledging to work with the party leadership and members to strengthen the outfit and advance its ideals.
He also said he looked forward to building on the legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, particularly on social justice and inclusive leadership.
“Asanteni for the warm welcome. Karibu pamoja!” Sakaja said.
Earlier, Sakaja left UDA for 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.
Speaking after joining the party, Sakaja said his decision was driven by his desire to advance ODM’s ideals and strengthen its role in government, describing the move as both a personal declaration and a political statement.
“Let me state clearly that I am joining ODM. I bring energy and conviction, and I am ready to support the party as required and demonstrate the loyalty expected of every member,” he said.
The governor affirmed his support for the broad-based government arrangement, saying ODM and UDA had a common presidential candidate in President Ruto.
“ODM is now in government, and we have one presidential candidate, President William Ruto, under our broad-based government arrangement,” he said.
Sakaja also declared his intention to seek a second term as Nairobi governor, drawing a parallel with the President’s re-election ambitions.
“President Ruto is going for his second term, and Sakaja is also seeking a second term,” he said.
The governor addressed longstanding accusations that he was an ODM mole while serving in Nairobi under the UDA banner, saying his working relationship with ODM was necessitated by the party’s majority in the County Assembly.
“For a long time, I have been accused of being an ODM mole, yet I was simply working with everyone. As the UDA leader in Nairobi’s minority side, I had to work with ODM, which was the majority party in the County Assembly. This cooperation started long before the national broad-based government arrangement,” he said.
He criticised leaders who had questioned his engagement with ODM and the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, saying political cooperation should not have been viewed through a tribal lens.
“Those who criticised me for working with ODM in Nairobi and engaging with Baba should now recognise that ODM is part of the national government. It is unfortunate that some leaders allowed tribal politics to cloud their judgement," he said.
Sakaja maintained that he was not joining ODM to displace existing party members or take over anyone’s political position but to establish his own place within the party.
“I am not joining ODM to take anyone’s space or replace anybody. I am joining to take my rightful position,” he said.
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.
