Nairobi, August 2026 — Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has confirmed that talks are underway over his possible departure from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and move to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Sakaja said he is consulting with relevant parties and supporters before making a final decision on his political future.
Speaking during an interview with Radio Citizen on Wednesday, the governor acknowledged that there had been calls for him to join ODM, saying the possibility had been under consideration for some time.
“There has been that call. Some officials and party members have said that they want me to move to their party,” he said.
Sakaja linked the discussions to his close relationship with the late ODM leader Raila Odinga, whom he described as being like a father to him.
“In October, we will be marking one year since Raila left us and we were very close, he was like my father, and he also wanted that (to join). We were in touch a lot before his death.”
Sakaja Yet to Set Exit Date
Despite confirming the talks, Sakaja said he had not made a final decision or set a date for leaving UDA.
He said he would consider the wishes of his supporters before determining his next political move.
“There is no official date for when we will leave UDA, but the call is there. It is something I am observing, we must also look at what people are saying. If that’s what they want then I am their employee,” he said.
The governor’s comments come amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 General Election, with politicians across different parties reassessing their alliances.
Gachagua Weighs In
Sakaja’s remarks came a day after Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua claimed that President William Ruto was losing key political allies, including the Nairobi governor.
Gachagua also suggested that Sakaja was considering a move to ODM while dismissing the ruling party’s influence in Nairobi.
“UDA is done. I hear Sakaja wants to move to ODM led by Oburu. We wish you the best. And even the ODM has nothing. It is a shell,” Gachagua said.
Gachagua was speaking while receiving politicians and officials who had defected from UDA, Jubilee and other parties, including Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan.
Sakaja’s potential move to ODM could significantly reshape Nairobi’s political landscape as parties and political leaders position themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
