The Behind-the-Scenes Phone Call From President Ruto That Allowed a Top Ally to Dump His Own Party

A political earthquake has officially thrown the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) into complete disarray. In a stunning double-blow that has sent shockwaves through Kenya’s political landscape, Suba North parliamentary aspirant Silas Jakakimba and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja have both dumped UDA. The heavy political heavyweights have officially defected to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

This dramatic mass exodus comes ahead of the highly anticipated 2027 General Election. It marks an explosive structural realignment within President William Ruto’s broad-based government framework.

Jakakimba officially announced his grand exit on Monday, November 2, 2026, via his X account. He shockingly revealed that the move was heavily dictated by overwhelming popular demand from residents across all five wards of Suba North.

The vocal politician firmly clarified that he did not leave the President’s corner blindly. Instead, he secured direct blessings, counsel, and wisdom from both UDA Party Leader President William Ruto and ODM leader Oburu Oginga before jumping ship.

As a decades-old life member and close understudy of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Jakakimba noted that returning to ODM perfectly aligns with his core political lineage. Top ODM party executives, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Minority Leader Junet Mohamed, immediately welcomed him back. He has now vowed to launch aggressive voter registration drives to lock down the constituency.

Meanwhile, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has inflicted an even bigger blow to the ruling party. Sakaja officially quit UDA after receiving a direct, personal invitation from Raila Odinga to join ODM.

The Nairobi county chief stated that ODM has a natural, historic claim to the capital city. However, in a fascinating twist, Sakaja firmly maintained that he will still support President Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid from within his new party.

These explosive back-to-back defections reveal a massive, strategic migration of politicians abandoning UDA. Insiders warn that more high-profile exits are loading as leaders desperately reposition themselves on more favorable party platforms. Ruto’s strategic inner circle is reportedly in crisis mode as ODM swiftly reclaims its traditional strongholds.

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