Oburu Welcomes Sakaja to ODM After Leaving UDA
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga has officially welcomed Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja into the party following his departure from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Oburu hosted Sakaja at his residence on Monday evening, November 2, 2026, where he formally received the governor into the Orange Democratic Movement.
In a statement shared after their meeting, Oburu expressed his excitement at welcoming Sakaja, describing his entry as an important development as the party continues to expand its membership and strengthen its national structures.
He said it was a pleasure hosting the Nairobi governor and officially receiving him into the ODM family.
Oburu also welcomed Sakaja with the words, “Karibu sana to ODM”, extending an invitation for him to work alongside the party’s leadership and members.
The meeting came just hours after Sakaja officially announced his departure from UDA and joined ODM at the party’s headquarters in Nairobi.
Sakaja Officially Joins ODM at Chungwa House
Sakaja formally joined ODM on Monday, November 2, during an event held at Chungwa House, the party’s headquarters in Nairobi.
He was received by senior party officials led by Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, National Chairperson Gladys Wanga and Deputy Party Leader Hassan Joho, alongside other party leaders.
During his address, Sakaja said he was joining the party with experience, energy and a commitment to advancing its political ideals.
He also pledged to work with the party leadership and members as ODM continues to strengthen its structures.
The governor further expressed his intention to uphold the political legacy of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, particularly his commitment to social justice, inclusivity and national unity.
Sakaja’s move ends his association with UDA, the party under which he was elected Nairobi governor in the 2022 General Election.
Why Sakaja Chose ODM After Jacaranda Rally
The governor’s decision followed weeks of speculation about his political future, particularly after his appearance at the ODM rally held at Jacaranda Grounds on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
During the gathering, Sakaja asked Nairobi residents to guide him on the political party they wanted him to join.
His remarks were widely interpreted as a signal that he was preparing to leave UDA and align himself with ODM.
Sakaja also spoke about his close relationship with the late Raila Odinga, whom he regarded as a father figure.
He previously indicated that Raila had encouraged him to join ODM, a relationship that influenced his decision to associate himself with the Orange party.
The governor’s subsequent appearance at Chungwa House confirmed the political shift that had attracted public attention in recent weeks.
Sakaja Declares Interest in Second Nairobi Governor’s Term
Sakaja’s entry into ODM comes as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Nairobi governor has expressed his intention to seek a second term, with ODM emerging as the party through which he intends to pursue his political ambitions.
However, joining the party does not automatically guarantee him its nomination for the Nairobi gubernatorial contest.
The party’s nomination process will determine who eventually secures its ticket.
His entry also introduces new questions about how ODM will accommodate leaders who have been associated with different political formations.
ODM Nairobi Governor Race Draws Attention
Sakaja’s move has brought renewed attention to the competition for the ODM ticket in the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race.
Among the politicians associated with the contest is Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has also expressed interest in becoming Nairobi governor.
Makadara MP George Aladwa has also positioned himself for the gubernatorial contest.
The possibility of several aspirants seeking the same party ticket raises questions about nominations, party structures and the interests of existing ODM members.
Some party members have previously expressed concerns about how newcomers will be accommodated alongside politicians who have built their political careers within ODM.
The party will therefore face the task of managing competing political interests as preparations for the next General Election gather momentum.
What Sakaja’s Defection Means for Nairobi Politics
Sakaja’s departure from UDA represents a notable change in Nairobi’s political alignment ahead of the 2027 elections.
His move places him within ODM’s political structures while creating a new dynamic in discussions surrounding the city’s next gubernatorial contest.
For ODM, welcoming the sitting Nairobi governor adds another prominent political figure to its membership as the party continues organising ahead of the next election.
However, the question of who will eventually carry the party’s flag in Nairobi remains subject to its nomination process.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, Sakaja’s new political home and the competition for the ODM ticket are likely to remain important subjects in Nairobi’s political debate.
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