Junet: ODM Should Brace for Thousands of New Members Ahead of 2027

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s dramatic shift from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has ignited a high-stakes nomination battle within the opposition party ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Sakaja was formally received at ODM’s Chungwa House headquarters in Nairobi on Monday, November 2, by senior officials led by Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati. Later that evening, the governor met ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga at his home, where he was officially welcomed into the party family.

Speaking after his reception, Sakaja attributed his decision to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He confirmed that the move was directly influenced by the former party leader, stating, “Baba is the one who told me to join ODM.”

The governor framed his defection as a natural extension of the national broad-based government agreement between ODM and UDA. He affirmed his support for President William Ruto’s re-election while confirming his own intention to seek a second term under the ODM banner.

“ODM is now in government, and we have one presidential candidate, President William Ruto, under our broad-based government arrangement,” Sakaja said. He added, “President Ruto is going for his second term, and Sakaja is also seeking a second term.”

Addressing past criticism, Sakaja rejected claims that he acted as an ODM mole while serving under UDA. He explained that working with ODM was a practical necessity, given that the party held the majority in the Nairobi County Assembly. He condemned political leaders who viewed his past cooperation with Raila Odinga through a tribal lens.

Sakaja also clarified that he was not seeking to displace existing figures within his new political home. “I am not joining ODM to take anyone’s space or replace anybody. I am joining to take my rightful position,” he stated.

His entry, however, complicates the race for the ODM gubernatorial nomination. Prominent party figures are already eye-ing the ticket, most notably Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, popular as Babu Owino, who commands a strong grassroots following among the youth. Makadara MP George Aladwa has also positioned himself for the nomination.

The move has drawn internal scrutiny. Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai publicly questioned the party’s readiness to accommodate high-profile political entrants, arguing that ODM must prioritize and nurture leaders who have built their careers within its existing structures.

Despite internal friction, ODM leaders signaled strong support for the party's expanding membership. Suna East MP Junet Mohamed called on supporters to welcome new members, describing Sakaja as the first of many leaders expected to cross over from across the country.

Junet noted that Sakaja had already established a smooth working relationship with ODM County Assembly members and cabinet appointees in Nairobi. He reiterated that the party’s appeal rests on its commitment to national unity, rapid economic transformation, and multiparty democracy.

Sakaja’s defection comes alongside other key political realignments. Silas Jakakimba, a former aide to Raila Odinga, also announced his return to ODM on Monday after a stint in UDA.

Jakakimba said that his decision followed extensive consultations within the broad-based political arrangement and aligned with the demands of Suba North residents, where he plans to contest the parliamentary seat in 2027. He noted that voters in the constituency called for fresh leadership and renewed development priorities.

The shifting political landscape in Nairobi extends beyond ODM. Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri has declared his intention to contest the governorship, focusing his platform on infrastructure and service delivery. Embakasi North MP James Gakuya has been linked to the race under the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), while former Nairobi county chief officer Geoffrey Mosiria and Bishop Margaret Wanjiru have also emerged as potential contenders.

Sakaja, who served as nominated MP from 2013 to 2017 and Nairobi Senator from 2017 until his election as governor in 2022, expressed gratitude to Oburu Oginga for the reception. Pledging loyalty to the party, he promised to advance its ideals of social justice and inclusive leadership.