Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja appears to be shifting his political allegiance towards opposition leader Raila Odinga, a move seemingly aimed at securing a second term in office in 2027.
Since the inception of devolution, no governor has successfully retained the Nairobi seat for two consecutive terms.
Former Governor Evans Kidero lost to Mike Sonko in 2017, and Sonko himself failed to complete his term after key county functions were transferred to the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).
Elected under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in 2022, Sakaja’s tenure has been marred by growing discontent among Nairobi residents, who accuse him of poor service delivery.
His troubles deepened after a report by the Controller of Budget (COB) revealed that his administration had not allocated any funds for development projects in the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.
Facing mounting criticism, Sakaja seems to be crafting a survival strategy by aligning himself with Raila, whose influence in Nairobi politics remains significant. The governor has been frequently seen in Odinga’s company, heaping praises on the opposition leader at every opportunity.
On Monday, Raila Odinga publicly endorsed Sakaja, entrusting him with the responsibility of leading Nairobi’s political affairs in his absence.
Speaking at a prayer meeting at the Bomas of Kenya, Raila, who is vying for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship, urged ODM leaders in Nairobi to rally behind Sakaja, referring to him as “his son.”
“I want Nairobi to remain united and strong. My son here will take charge,” Raila declared, signaling his approval of Sakaja as a political leader in the capital.
Sakaja, a member of the ruling UDA party, attended the event organized by ODM-affiliated women, further fueling speculation about his political realignment.
During the meeting, he promised to hold talks with ODM leaders in Nairobi to chart his political future ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Dalili ya mvua ni mawingu na mwenye macho haambiwi tazama,” Sakaja remarked, quoting a Swahili proverb that suggests change is imminent.
His statement came after Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Makadara MP George Aladwa openly urged him to join ODM.
Aladwa was even more direct, saying, “While you are away, Baba, we want our great Governor Sakaja to take charge and also join ODM so that we can work together.”
Raila commands a massive following in Nairobi, and his potential exit from active politics—should he win the AUC chairmanship—could create a leadership vacuum in ODM.
By handing Sakaja the reins in Nairobi, Raila has seemingly signaled his trust in the governor and, indirectly, his preference for Sakaja’s re-election in 2027.
Although not an ODM member, Sakaja has been working closely with Raila for months.
In December 2024, he accompanied Raila to Addis Ababa for the Mjadala Afrika debate for AUC candidates. Earlier, he visited Raila’s Opoda home in Bondo, where he spent several days touring the opposition leader’s farm.
Sakaja has also been a regular at national events and church services attended by Raila, further solidifying their growing alliance.
By endorsing Sakaja, Raila may have thrown a spanner in the works for other politicians eyeing the Nairobi gubernatorial seat.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who has openly declared his ambition to challenge Sakaja, could find himself sidelined in the ODM succession plan. Owino recently fell out with Raila over his criticism of the opposition leader’s rapprochement with President William Ruto, weakening his influence within ODM.
Another contender, Embakasi North MP James Gakuya, who has the backing of anti-Kenya Kwanza forces, is also expected to join the race.
Additionally, figures like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua could influence the election outcome, given his ongoing efforts to consolidate Mt. Kenya’s vote in Nairobi.
Sakaja, aware of the looming political battle, has launched a multi-pronged strategy to solidify his position.
He has aligned himself with both President Ruto and Raila, ensuring he remains relevant across political divides.
He has also rolled out key initiatives such as a citywide clean-up program and plans to decongest Nairobi’s roads by relocating matatus and buses.
