Sakaja leaves UDA for ODM: what it means for the 2027 race for Nairobi governor
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja joined ODM on 2 November 2026 and says he will seek a second term on its ticket. Here is what happened, who else wants the seat, and the dates that decide the race.
On Monday 2 November 2026, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja left the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), President William Ruto's party, and joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He was received at ODM's Chungwa House headquarters by deputy party leader Simba Arati and national chairperson Gladys Wanga.
What he said
- He will seek a second term as governor in the August 2027 General Election, on an ODM ticket.
- He said the late Raila Odinga had encouraged him to join ODM, and that Nairobi needs "bold" leadership.
- He said politics should be measured by the lives it changes, not only by elections won.
Who else wants the seat
| Name | Current role | Party route (as reported) |
|---|---|---|
| Johnson Sakaja | Governor of Nairobi | ODM |
| Babu Owino | MP, Embakasi East | Mwananchi Party |
| Ronald Karauri | MP, Kasarani | Linked to efforts to win the ODM ticket |
More aspirants are expected as the election nears. This list is not complete, and no one is a candidate until the IEBC clears their nomination.
Joining a party is not the same as winning its ticket
Sakaja now has to win ODM's nomination. If other aspirants want the same ticket, the party will decide through primaries or another method set out in its rules. Party primaries and their disputes must be finished by 9 May 2027, and the IEBC nominates candidates between 29 May and 11 June 2027.
What voters will be judging
Whoever runs, Nairobi residents will weigh the issues that dominate City Hall: public transport, drainage and flooding, rubbish collection, revenue collection and service delivery. Sakaja's administration has faced criticism on several of these, and he points to projects completed during his term. The Eastleigh building collapse has also put building approvals in the spotlight.
Related: Election 2027: the key dates.
