Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has made a significant political decision by joining ODM after exiting the ruling UDA party.
The governor was officially received at Chungwa House, ODM's headquarters in Nairobi, on Monday, November 2. The reception was led by party Deputy Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati, alongside other senior officials.
His move follows weeks of speculation about his political future, particularly after he began appearing at events associated with ODM leaders and supporters.
One of the clearest indications came on Saturday, October 31, when Sakaja attended an ODM political gathering at Jacaranda Grounds.
During the event, he addressed Nairobi residents and asked them to offer direction on his next political steps.
Speaking after his formal entry into ODM, Sakaja linked his decision to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom he credited with encouraging him to join the political outfit.
The move now places the governor in a new political environment as he prepares for another possible contest for City Hall.
Babu Owino and Aladwa Could Challenge Sakaja
Sakaja's arrival in ODM is expected to generate interest around the party's nomination process, particularly because other influential politicians have already expressed interest in becoming Nairobi's next governor.
Among them is Embakasi East MP Paul Ongili, popularly known as Babu Owino.
Owino has openly indicated his interest in the gubernatorial seat and enjoys considerable support among sections of Nairobi's youth and grassroots political networks.
Another potential contender is Makadara MP George Aladwa, who has also positioned himself as an aspirant for the ODM ticket.
The possibility of these politicians competing against an incumbent governor could create a challenging nomination exercise for the party.
There are also questions about whether Sakaja's relatively recent entry into ODM will affect the ambitions of politicians who have spent years building their political careers within the party.
ODM Members Raise Questions Over Nomination Process
The question of who should receive the party's gubernatorial ticket has already generated debate among some ODM members.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai previously questioned the party's approach to accommodating politicians joining from other political formations.
His concerns centred on whether newcomers should receive preferential treatment at the expense of leaders who have developed their political influence through ODM's internal structures.
The debate places the party leadership in a difficult position as it seeks to balance political expansion with the interests of existing members.
For Sakaja, securing the ODM ticket could become just as important as joining the party itself.
Other Politicians Eye Nairobi Governor's Seat
Beyond ODM, several other political figures are being associated with the 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial contest.
Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri has declared interest in the position, with his political messaging focusing on infrastructure and improved service delivery.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, who is associated with the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), has also been linked to the emerging race.
Former Nairobi County Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria has equally expressed interest in becoming governor.
Bishop Margaret Wanjiru is another political figure whose name has featured in discussions surrounding the upcoming contest.
With several potential candidates positioning themselves, the 2027 Nairobi governor's race is shaping up to be one of the closely watched political contests.
Sakaja's Political Journey
Sakaja's decision to join ODM marks another important chapter in a political career that has seen him occupy several influential positions.
He first entered the National Assembly as a nominated MP in 2013, serving until 2017.
During that period, he chaired parliamentary committees, including the Labour and Social Welfare Committee, and gained prominence in national politics.
He subsequently served as Nairobi Senator between 2017 and 2022 before winning the gubernatorial election in 2022.
He also previously served as National Chairman of The National Alliance (TNA) and led the Kenya Young Parliamentarians Association.
His experience in different political formations now places him in a new contest as he seeks to consolidate his influence within ODM.
Nairobi's Biggest Issues Could Shape the 2027 Race
While party affiliations and nominations are likely to dominate early political discussions, Nairobi residents will ultimately be interested in what the candidates intend to deliver.
Issues such as traffic congestion, public transport, waste collection, drainage, infrastructure development and efficient county services are expected to feature prominently in the campaigns.
Sakaja's performance as the sitting governor will also remain an important consideration as voters assess his record against the promises of potential challengers.
His move to ODM could strengthen his political positioning, but whether party members and Nairobi residents will fully embrace the decision remains to be seen.
The battle for City Hall is officially entering a new political chapter.
