Sakaja Reveals Raila’s Secret Advice That Led Him to Join ODM, Makes Fresh Promise to Ruto

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has revealed that the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga personally encouraged him to join the Orange Democratic Movement, explaining the reasons behind his decision to ditch the United Democratic Alliance.

Sakaja made the revelation on Monday, November 2, 2026, following his move to ODM as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The governor said his decision was partly influenced by his relationship with Raila, whom he regarded as an influential political figure and mentor.

According to Sakaja, Raila personally advised him to join ODM, a decision he now considers consistent with the former prime minister’s vision for Nairobi.

“Kwa sababu yeye mwenyewe ndio aliniambia nikuja ODM,” Sakaja said, explaining that Raila himself had encouraged him to make the move.

The governor also recalled Raila’s message about the political stability of the capital, insisting that Nairobi needed to remain strong.

“Baba alisema aje? Nairobi ikaye imara. Na Nairobi lazima ikaye imara,” he stated.

Sakaja pledged to strengthen ODM’s presence in Nairobi, where the party has a significant political following.

His decision comes at a time when political leaders are positioning themselves for the next General Election, with Nairobi expected to attract intense competition from rival parties.

Despite joining ODM, Sakaja has maintained that his relationship with President William Ruto remains intact.

The governor expressed gratitude to the President and promised to continue supporting him despite his decision to leave UDA.

“President wetu William Ruto tunamshukuru,” Sakaja said.

He further declared that he would continue backing Ruto while operating within ODM.

“We will support Ruto, mimi nitazidi kumshikilia mkono and I will support him from ODM,” he added.

The statement signals that Sakaja intends to maintain his relationship with the President while building his political future under the ODM banner.

His defection could also reshape political alliances in Nairobi as parties prepare for the 2027 elections.

However, joining ODM does not automatically guarantee Sakaja the party’s gubernatorial ticket, with nominations expected to play a crucial role in determining its candidate.

As the political landscape continues to shift, attention will now turn to how ODM members receive Sakaja and whether his move strengthens his chances of securing another term at City Hall.

https://peopledaily.digital/inside-politics/sakaja-raila-told-me-to-join-odm?fbclid=IwdGRjcAVVS2hjbGNrBVVKtmV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHBkb2YBc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMzUwNjg1NTMxNzI4AAEf9h-OM6nJfIUHb0ewkJn5l8YyUzZ7n_fA7jFHAR3aJVhAtX1cD_e2S56preM_aem_XHxgJFqdg4VMe7UDaO0L5Q

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