West Mugirango Member of Parliament Steve Mogaka has backed Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s bid for re-election in 2027, arguing that the county chief still has an opportunity to retain his seat despite political challenges within the party that initially supported his rise to power.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, Mogaka said Sakaja had not received sufficient backing from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), accusing the party of repeatedly seeking to remove him from office.
The legislator argued that the governor’s performance should be assessed against the political difficulties he has encountered while managing Nairobi County.
Mogaka described Sakaja’s service delivery as acceptable, maintaining that the challenges surrounding his administration should be considered when evaluating his record.
Mogaka Explains Why Sakaja Could Remain Competitive
Mogaka suggested that Nairobi’s voting patterns could give Sakaja another opportunity to secure the governorship, arguing that electoral decisions in the capital are often influenced by opposition to particular political figures and parties.
He said the governor’s prospects would depend on the political alliances that emerge before the 2027 elections and whether voters choose to support him based on his individual leadership or their loyalty to particular political parties.
The MP also questioned whether any leader could fully meet the expectations of Nairobi residents, given the complexity of managing the capital city.
His remarks indicate that Sakaja could remain politically competitive despite disagreements with some leaders who previously supported his political rise.
Sakaja Joins ODM After Leaving UDA
Mogaka’s endorsement comes shortly after Sakaja formally joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on Monday, November 2, 2026, following his departure from UDA.
The governor won the Nairobi governorship in 2022 under the UDA ticket but has since shifted his political allegiance as new alignments take shape ahead of the next general election.
During his announcement, Sakaja criticised politicians who had abandoned ODM after previously opposing his cooperation with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
He also pledged to strengthen the party’s presence in Nairobi, saying Raila had encouraged him to help build ODM’s influence in the capital.
Sakaja used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to expanding the party’s support base, signalling his intention to play a role in shaping its political future in Nairobi.
Sakaja Maintains Support for Ruto
Despite moving to ODM, Sakaja has maintained his support for President William Ruto, indicating that his change of party does not mean he has withdrawn his backing for the Head of State.
The governor’s political shift comes as leaders across the country begin positioning themselves for the 2027 General Election, with Nairobi expected to attract significant political competition.
Sakaja has already declared his intention to defend his governorship, setting up a contest likely to involve debates over service delivery, political alliances and voter priorities.
Mogaka’s public endorsement adds to the political discussion surrounding the governor’s re-election plans as Nairobi leaders and parties continue to reorganise ahead of the polls.
