Mosiria Breaks Silence After Sakaja Joins ODM, Sends Message to Party Leaders

Former Nairobi County Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria has weighed in on Governor Johnson Sakaja’s decision to leave the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), questioning the party’s decision to welcome him.

In a statement shared on Monday, November 2, Mosiria expressed concern over the direction ODM was taking, arguing that the party risked abandoning the principles associated with its late former leader, Raila Odinga.

The former county official challenged ODM leaders to consider whether accommodating politicians whose reputations and integrity he questioned was consistent with the values Raila promoted during his political career.

Mosiria specifically cited integrity, accountability, ethical governance and the fight against corruption as some of the principles he believed should guide the party’s decisions.

“Baba believed in good leadership, integrity, accountability and ethical governance. He stood firmly against corruption and believed that public leadership should be guided by principles and values. Admitting individuals with questionable reputations and integrity into ODM is an insult to Baba’s legacy and everything he stood for,” he stated.

He went further to appeal directly to the party leadership, warning against sacrificing its founding principles for short-term political gains.

Mosiria also raised a question about the party’s future following Raila’s death, asking whether the values he championed would continue to guide ODM or disappear with his departure.

“To the ODM leadership, I appeal to you: Please allow Baba to rest in peace by preserving the values he fought for. Do not betray his legacy for the sake of political expediency,” he added.

His remarks came on the same day Sakaja’s move to ODM attracted criticism from another Nairobi politician, Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri.

Karauri accused the governor of using his party defection to distract residents from concerns about his performance at City Hall. He cited issues including collapsed buildings, flooding, garbage collection and unpaid bursaries.

The MP argued that changing political parties would not erase what he described as Sakaja’s poor record in office.

Karauri’s criticism is particularly significant given his interest in the Nairobi gubernatorial race, where he could seek the ODM ticket ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Sakaja formally joined ODM on Monday after leaving UDA, announcing his intention to seek re-election as Nairobi governor on the party’s ticket.

The move has therefore opened a fresh debate within ODM over the entry of new political figures, the party’s leadership direction and the contest for its Nairobi gubernatorial ticket.

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