Sakaja Joins ODM as Karauri Makes Key Remark About His UDA Departure

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially moved from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), but Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri has offered a perspective that could change how the political shift is interpreted.

According to remarks attributed to Karauri in the Facebook post supplied, Sakaja is not leaving UDA because of any problem with the party.

The statement comes as Sakaja begins a new political chapter ahead of the 2027 General Election, when he intends to defend his Nairobi gubernatorial seat on an ODM ticket.

Sakaja was formally received into ODM on Monday, November 2, at the party’s headquarters, Chungwa House, in Nairobi. Senior party officials, including Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, welcomed him following weeks of speculation about his political future.

Karauri’s position introduces an important distinction into the debate surrounding Sakaja’s departure from UDA.

A politician changing parties does not necessarily mean that relations with the former political formation have broken down. In Sakaja’s case, the move comes amid the broad-based political arrangement bringing together leaders from UDA and ODM.

Sakaja has maintained that he intends to continue supporting President William Ruto even as he seeks another term in Nairobi under ODM.

His decision therefore raises questions about the relationship between party affiliation, political alliances and the competition for elective positions ahead of the next General Election.

Karauri, who has also been mentioned among potential contenders for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat, is an important voice in the unfolding political contest.

Sakaja’s move followed months of discussions involving ODM leaders and supporters who had encouraged him to join the party.

On October 31, during an ODM gathering at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi, the governor asked residents which political party they wanted him to join.

Sections of the crowd urged him to choose ODM, prompting him to appeal to the party’s leadership to guide him.

His eventual appearance at Chungwa House on November 2 brought the speculation to an end.

Speaking after joining the party, Sakaja attributed his decision partly to the influence of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom he described as a father figure.

He also indicated that his move was not intended to displace existing ODM members or take over another politician’s political position.

Instead, he said he wanted to establish his place within the party as he prepared for another gubernatorial contest.

Although Sakaja has secured entry into ODM, the question of who will receive the party’s gubernatorial ticket remains significant.

Makadara MP George Aladwa has already expressed interest in contesting for the Nairobi governor’s seat on an ODM ticket.

Some party members have also questioned whether an established politician joining from another formation should receive preferential treatment over leaders who have spent years building the party.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai recently challenged ODM to scrutinise Sakaja before accepting him, arguing that the party should also develop leaders from within its own structures.

ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati, however, has indicated that the party intends to provide opportunities to aspirants through a fair nomination process.

This means Sakaja’s arrival does not automatically settle the question of who will represent ODM in the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial election.

Karauri is also associated with the emerging contest for Nairobi’s top county position.

The Kasarani MP has been identified among the political figures positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 election, alongside Sakaja, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and other prospective contenders.

The growing competition means that political decisions involving party affiliation, alliances and nominations could have a significant impact on the race.

For Sakaja, joining ODM gives him a new political platform as he seeks a second term.

For Karauri, the governor’s departure from UDA presents another development in a contest that is gradually taking shape.

However, the central question raised by Karauri’s remarks is whether Sakaja’s political realignment should be interpreted as a disagreement with UDA or as a strategic decision ahead of the next election.

With the governor now officially in ODM, attention is shifting to how the move will affect his relationship with the ruling party and his chances of securing the Orange party’s ticket.

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