Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri has criticised Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja following his move from UDA to ODM, warning that changing political parties will not shield the county boss from questions about his performance at City Hall.
Kasarani Member of Parliament Ronald Karauri has launched a sharp attack on Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja after his defection from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), accusing him of seeking a fresh political identity without addressing concerns about his administration.
In a statement issued on Monday, November 2, 2026, shortly after Sakaja was formally welcomed into ODM, Karauri argued that the governor’s change of party would not make Nairobi residents forget the challenges experienced during his first term.
The legislator pointed to building collapses, flooding, poor garbage collection and unpaid bursaries, saying these issues should remain central to public scrutiny of the county government.
“Sakaja won Nairobi on a UDA ticket. He’s not leaving UDA because of any problem with the party — he’s running to ODM because he thinks a new colour will make people forget his record,” Karauri said.
He added that the governor would still have to account for the city’s challenges regardless of his political affiliation.
“Collapsed buildings, flooding, garbage, unpaid bursaries, and four years of City Hall mess. Atashangaa sana. Changing parties will not erase the monumental failure,” Karauri stated.
His remarks have added to the political debate surrounding Sakaja’s decision to join ODM as politicians begin positioning themselves for the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial contest.
Sakaja officially joins ODM after leaving UDA
Sakaja was formally received into ODM on Monday, November 2, at the party’s headquarters, Chungwa House, in Nairobi.
The reception was led by senior party officials, including Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati and National Chairperson Gladys Wanga.
The move ended months of speculation about the governor’s political future and the party he would use to seek a second term in the 2027 General Election.
Sakaja was elected Nairobi governor in August 2022 on a UDA ticket after defeating Jubilee candidate Polycarp Igathe.
His decision to join ODM followed growing signs of a political realignment, including his appearance at the party’s memorial rally for the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Jacaranda Grounds on Saturday, October 31.
During the gathering, Sakaja asked Nairobi residents whether he should remain in UDA, join ODM or move to the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP). The crowd favoured ODM, after which the governor asked the party leadership to guide his next political steps.
At Chungwa House, Sakaja linked his political journey to Raila, saying the former Prime Minister had encouraged him to join the Orange party.
The governor’s entry into ODM gives the party an incumbent Nairobi governor ahead of the next election, but it does not automatically secure him the party’s nomination.
Karauri also seeks Nairobi governor seat
Karauri’s criticism comes as he pursues his own ambition to become Nairobi governor in 2027.
The Kasarani MP has previously said that poor leadership and service delivery are among the major problems affecting the capital. He has highlighted building safety, weak enforcement of planning regulations and inadequate drainage as issues requiring urgent attention.
In an interview with Alex Mwakideu, Karauri explained some of the concerns behind his decision to seek the gubernatorial seat.
He has also indicated that he is interested in contesting on an ODM ticket, although his final political position will depend on how the party’s nomination process unfolds.
The legislator has said he had spoken to the ODM chairman about beginning campaign tours across Nairobi.
His interest in the Orange party ticket could place him in direct competition with Sakaja, who is also expected to seek the party’s backing for a second term.
ODM ticket race could attract several aspirants
Sakaja’s defection has intensified attention on the battle for the ODM Nairobi gubernatorial ticket.
Karauri is among the politicians who have expressed interest in the seat, while other potential contenders include Makadara MP George Aladwa.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is also expected to feature prominently in the 2027 Nairobi governor contest, although he has indicated that he will pursue the seat through his The Mwananchi Party (TMP) ticket rather than the ODM nomination.
The entry of Sakaja into ODM has also raised questions about how the party will balance the interests of its established members with those of politicians joining from rival political outfits.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has questioned whether ODM should accommodate high-profile defectors without adequately considering leaders who have built their political careers within the party.
The nomination contest could therefore become a major test of ODM’s internal unity as it prepares for the 2027 elections.
Nairobi residents to judge candidates on service delivery
Beyond party affiliations, the emerging political contest is likely to focus on the performance of the Nairobi County Government and the proposals candidates offer to address the capital’s longstanding problems.
Building safety, drainage, flooding, waste management, bursary distribution and the delivery of essential services are likely to feature prominently in the campaigns.
Karauri’s remarks have placed Sakaja’s record at the centre of the political conversation following his defection. The governor, meanwhile, will have to convince ODM members and Nairobi voters that he deserves another term.
Ultimately, the ODM nomination process and the wider 2027 election campaign will determine whether Sakaja retains the party’s support or faces a strong challenge from other aspirants.
Also Read: Oburu Welcomes Sakaja to ODM After UDA Exit