Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has officially joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), ending months of talk about whether he would leave President William Ruto's UDA party. He said the late Raila Odinga had urged him to join ODM long before the move happened.
The governor was received into the party on Monday evening in an event attended by ODM officials, Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati received him on behalf of party leader Oburu Oginga.
Later in the evening, Sakaja visited ODM Party Leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga at his home. In photos shared on his social media, the ODM leader is seen placing the party cap on the governor's head before they men shook hands.
Dr Oburu said he was happy to host the governor and officially welcomed him into the ODM family. He described the move as a big boost to the party and said it shows ODM is growing, staying united and is open to new members. "Karibu sana to ODM," he said.
On the other hand Sakaja said he was honoured by the warm reception and looked forward to working closely with the party leadership and members. He promised to uphold the ideals and legacy of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, especially his commitment to social justice, inclusivity and the unity of the nation. He ended his message by thanking the party for receiving him.
In his first speech as an ODM member, Sakaja made it clear that he sees the party as the leading force in the capital. He said Nairobi is a city led by ODM and that he has many people behind him whom he will bring to the party. He added that he had been invited to ODM even before the broad-based government came into being, and that he had been attacked for choosing to work with the late Raila Odinga.
He also spoke about the 2027 elections. Sakaja said the national government in 2027 will be formed by both ODM and UDA, and that devolution will be stronger as a result. He told supporters to back President Ruto, and said he would do the same from within ODM.
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