Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja had a cheeky response to calls from Raila Odinga’s staunch allies urging him to join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Sakaja was among the leaders present at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, February 10, for Raila’s special prayers ahead of the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson elections.
While the event was primarily focused on supporting Raila’s AUC bid, it briefly took a political turn as some ODM leaders attempted to persuade Sakaja to join their party.
Led by Makadara Member of Parliament George Aladwa, the leaders seized the moment to woo Sakaja.
“Baba, as you go to fight for your position at the AUC, I want to urge our governor, Sakaja, to leave UDA and join ODM. Let’s walk together,” Aladwa stated.
Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja and AUC chair hopeful Raila Odinga during a prayer meeting at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, February 10, 2025.
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Raila Odinga
Aladwa also took a dig at the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), adding, “At our party, we love each other. There is no hatred or jealousy.”
His sentiments were echoed by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, who also urged the Nairobi County boss to consider ODM’s proposal.
Sakaja, who played a key role in organising the special prayer event at the Bomas of Kenya, did not shy away from the conversation but offered a vague response to calls for him to ditch UDA.
“I’ve heard what Aladwa and (Gladys) Wanga have said. Where there are clouds, there is rain. In two weeks, I want to have a meeting with ODM bosses in Nairobi. I want to show you that I’m one of you,” Sakaja stated.
During the same function, Raila Odinga, who holds immense political influence in Nairobi, appeared to endorse Sakaja for re-election, suggesting that he would retain his seat in the next polls.
“I want Nairobi to remain united and strong. My son here will take charge,” Raila stated.
Despite not being an ODM member, Sakaja has maintained a strong relationship with Raila, even before the AUC chair hopeful mended political ties with President William Ruto.
More recently, Sakaja and Raila have been seen together at major events. Their latest international engagement saw the governor accompany Odinga to the Mjadala Afrika debate for AUC candidates in Addis Ababa on 13 December 2024.
Sakaja’s latest remarks are likely to stir reactions within ODM, especially since some party leaders remain critical of him.
Recently, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino criticised Raila over reports suggesting the former Prime Minister had endorsed Sakaja for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027.
The MP also dismissed Sakaja’s support for Raila’s AUC bid, terming it a “political gimmick.”
President William Ruto(centre), Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja(left) and Dagoreti North MP Beatrice Elachi during a church service at the United Pentecostal Church of Kenya in Dagoretti North, Nairobi County on January 11, 2025.
PCS