High-Profile Defections to ODM Trigger Early Battle for 2027 Party Tickets

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) faces potential internal friction over its candidate selection process following high-profile defections to the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and former West Pokot Senator Samuel Poghisio formally joined ODM at its Chung’wa House headquarters in Nairobi on consecutive days. Their arrivals have intensified competition for gubernatorial tickets in Nairobi and West Pokot counties.

Mr Sakaja, who won the Nairobi governor seat in 2022 on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, announced his move on Monday. He said he was acting on instructions given to him by the late ODM founder Raila Odinga before his death.

“I started this journey with Baba when I became the governor. I have been fought for standing with Baba and bringing ODM members to the cabinet. Baba is the one who told me to come to ODM,” Mr Sakaja said.

He was received by ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Director of Campaigns Junet Mohammed, and Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho.

The move puts Mr Sakaja in direct competition with long-serving party members in Nairobi, including Makadara MP George Aladwa, who serves as the party's county chairperson and has already declared his candidacy for the top seat. Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri is also seeking to join the party to vie for the same ticket.

The reception event at Chung'wa House sparked tensions among local supporters. Police used tear gas to disperse a crowd attempting to disrupt the proceedings while chanting slogans in support of Mr Aladwa.

Ms Wanga and Mr Arati sought to calm fears of favouritism, assuring members that the party would conduct free, fair, and transparent nominations without discrimination.

"We have our chairman of the party in Nairobi, George Aladwa, who has stood with the party for long here and he is also seeking the governor seat here in ODM, and now we have Governor Sakaja," Ms Wanga said, adding that everyone wishing to join the party is welcome.

Mr Sakaja said he would personally reach out to Mr Aladwa to unify the party ahead of the polls. Other politicians eyeing the Nairobi seat from opposing camps include Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, and Bishop Margaret Wanjiru. Meanwhile, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stated that his Democracy for the Citizens Party plans to dominate Nairobi politics.

The political realignments follow the broad-based government arrangement between UDA and ODM, with both parties currently negotiating a pre-election coalition agreement. ODM leaders, including Mr Mohammed and Mr Arati, said that they would support President William Ruto’s re-election while contesting other elective seats. Recent demands from a section of ODM leaders asked for half of cabinet positions and control of Nairobi in exchange for supporting President Ruto.

On Tuesday, former Senator Samuel Poghisio also completed his return to ODM, accompanied by a delegation from West Pokot County. Mr Poghisio previously belonged to ODM and URP before moving to KANU, where he served as West Pokot Senator from 2017 to 2022.

Mr Poghisio aims to succeed Governor Simon Kachapin, setting up a competitive contest that includes former Governor John Lonyangapuo. He brings decades of political experience, having previously served as an assistant minister under President Daniel arap Moi and as a Cabinet minister under President Mwai Kibaki.