Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially ditched President William Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), declaring his intention to defend his gubernatorial seat in the 2027 General Election on the party's ticket.

Sakaja completed his political switch on Monday, November 2, 2026, during an event at ODM's national headquarters, Chungwa House, in Nairobi.

The governor was formally received into the party by senior ODM officials, led by Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who welcomed him by presenting him with an ODM party cap.

His defection ends months of speculation about his political future and the party he intends to use in his bid for a second term at City Hall.

Speaking after joining the Orange Party, Sakaja revealed that the decision was influenced by the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom he said had personally encouraged him to join ODM.

"Baba ndiye alisema nikuje ODM. Chama ambacho kinatawala Nairobi ni ODM. Baba yeye mwenyewe ndiye aliniambia nije ODM. We will support Ruto, and I will support him from ODM," Sakaja said.

The governor's remarks suggest that his departure from UDA does not necessarily signal a political fallout with President Ruto.

Instead, Sakaja indicated that he intends to maintain his support for the President while pursuing his 2027 re-election ambitions through ODM.

Why Johnson Sakaja Chose ODM Over UDA

Sakaja's move comes after months of growing pressure from ODM leaders and supporters who had openly urged him to abandon UDA and join the Orange Party.

The governor had previously acknowledged receiving invitations from ODM officials, Members of Parliament, youth leaders and women representatives who wanted him to join the party ahead of the 2027 elections.

On Saturday, October 31, during the final memorial activities in honour of Raila Odinga at Jacaranda Grounds in Nairobi, Sakaja publicly asked residents to advise him on the political party he should join.

He presented UDA, ODM and the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) as possible options.

However, sections of the crowd called on him to join ODM.

Responding to the audience, Sakaja invoked the popular saying that the voice of the people is the voice of God before asking ODM leaders to guide him on his political future.

"The voice of the people is the voice of God. Chair and party leader, you will guide me," he told the gathering.

The exchange intensified speculation about his political direction, with his appearance at Chungwa House on Monday subsequently confirming his decision.

Sakaja Says He Will Support Ruto From ODM

One of the most significant aspects of Sakaja's defection is his declaration that he will continue supporting President William Ruto despite leaving the ruling party.

His position introduces an interesting political dimension to the 2027 contest, particularly as UDA and ODM have maintained a broad-based political arrangement.

Sakaja's remarks suggest that he does not view his decision to join ODM as an automatic break with the President.

The Nairobi governor appears keen to maintain his national political relationships while seeking another term under a different party.

His decision also raises questions about how ODM and UDA will manage their political interests in Nairobi, where both parties have leaders interested in the gubernatorial contest.

George Aladwa's ODM Ticket Ambitions Put Sakaja's 2027 Bid to the Test

While Sakaja has settled the question of which party he intends to use in 2027, securing the ODM gubernatorial ticket could prove to be another challenge.

Makadara Member of Parliament George Aladwa has already positioned himself as a potential candidate for the Nairobi governorship under ODM.

Aladwa, who also serves as ODM's Nairobi County chairman, has repeatedly insisted that politicians joining the party should not expect automatic nominations.

In September 2026, Aladwa and other ODM leaders dismissed suggestions that Sakaja could receive a direct ticket if he abandoned UDA.

Speaking during an ODM delegates' meeting, Aladwa maintained that all aspirants should compete through the party's nomination process.

Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana also supported the position, insisting that newcomers should not receive preferential treatment simply because of their political profiles.

The resistance became more pronounced on September 26, when Nairobi ODM delegates resolved to oppose attempts to hand Sakaja the party's gubernatorial ticket and endorsed Aladwa.

The delegates argued that ODM should give its existing members an opportunity to compete for the party's nomination rather than automatically accommodate politicians defecting from other parties.

Their position means Sakaja's entry into ODM does not automatically secure him the party's flag.

Robert Alai Questions ODM's Decision to Welcome Sakaja

Sakaja's entry into ODM has also attracted criticism from some party members.

Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai questioned the party's decision to accommodate the Nairobi governor, arguing that ODM should examine his political intentions and record before accepting him.

In a Facebook statement on Monday, November 2, Alai questioned why a party that has existed for two decades could not produce a leader who had risen through its own structures to become Nairobi governor.

He also challenged ODM to scrutinise Sakaja's political position, particularly his continued support for President Ruto despite leaving UDA.

Alai's remarks highlight the internal debate within ODM over whether the party should prioritise established politicians joining ahead of the elections or give preference to leaders who have built their political careers within its structures.

What Sakaja's Defection Means for Nairobi Politics Ahead of 2027

Sakaja was elected Nairobi governor in August 2022 on a UDA ticket after defeating former governor Polycarp Igathe, who contested on a Jubilee Party ticket.

His decision to join ODM marks a significant shift in his political positioning as he prepares to seek a second term.

The move also places ODM at the centre of Nairobi's emerging gubernatorial contest, with the party now having to manage competing interests among established members and incoming politicians.

For Sakaja, the immediate challenge will be navigating ODM's internal structures and convincing party members that he deserves an opportunity to defend his seat using its ticket.

For Aladwa and other aspirants, the governor's arrival raises questions about the future of their own political ambitions and the nomination process.

With the 2027 General Election approaching, Sakaja's political journey has entered a new chapter.

He has left UDA, joined ODM and declared his intention to defend City Hall.

But whether he will ultimately secure the Orange Party's gubernatorial ticket remains a question that could shape Nairobi's political contest ahead of the next General Election.