Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, popularly known as Mbekse wa Nairobi, on Friday electrified crowds in Kasipul Constituency during an empowerment programme attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, urging Kenyans to rally behind the emerging Broad-Based Coalition between ODM and UDA.
The event, which doubled as a campaign fundraiser, saw Sakaja — who was greeted with deafening cheers — declare that unity between President William Ruto’s UDA and Raila Odinga’s ODM would deliver a decisive victory in the 2027 General Election.
“We must honour Baba’s legacy by standing together. Raila Odinga fought for democracy and unity, and it’s time to turn that dream into a winning reality,” Sakaja told the jubilant crowd.
The governor called on Kasipul residents to come out in large numbers and vote for the coalition’s preferred candidate, Hon. Boyd Were, describing him as a symbol of the partnership’s promise.
Crowds roared in approval, chanting “ODM! ODM mara tatu!” as Sakaja hinted at his possible 2027 political vehicle — though he stopped short of making a formal declaration.
Rising Political Star
Sakaja’s political trajectory has been on a steep climb since the formation of the Broad-Based Coalition that brought ODM and UDA under a shared development and unity agenda. His growing influence has been amplified by recent defections of prominent Nairobi leaders — among them Westlands MP Tim Wanyonyi and Embakasi East’s Babu Owino — to other political outfits.
Political observers now describe Sakaja as the face of youthful leadership and a bridge-builder between Kenya’s two largest political formations.
Transforming Nairobi
Governor Sakaja’s growing popularity is also tied to his development record in the capital. Under his leadership, Nairobi has witnessed massive urban renewal — including the Green Army initiative that employs over 3,000 youth to clean and beautify the city.
He has also expanded access to education by introducing fortified porridge and constructing additional classrooms for over 200 public primary schools across 17 sub-counties.
Road upgrades and urban renewal projects have transformed key downtown corridors such as Tom Mboya Street, Moi Avenue, Mfangano Street, and Ronald Ngala, restoring safety, aesthetics, and economic vibrancy.
Recently, Sakaja met with the Mayor of New York to benchmark on global best practices for green, smart, and sustainable cities — part of his mission to restore Nairobi’s global stature.
DP Kindiki, Wanga, and Ruto’s Hand
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who invited Sakaja to address the rally, described him as a “national unifier” and praised the late Raila Odinga as “a doyen of democracy who always stood for the unity of all Kenyans.”
The event raised KSh13 million to support local empowerment initiatives, with President William Ruto contributing KSh3 million, and additional funds pooled by DP Kindiki, Governor Gladys Wanga, and Governor Sakaja.
Leaders present pledged to sustain the Broad-Based Coalition’s momentum in Kasipul, Ugunja, Magharibi, and beyond — setting the stage for a formidable political alliance ahead of 2027.
“This coalition is not about parties,” Sakaja said in closing. “It’s about people, progress, and the promise of a united Kenya.”
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