Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has sent shockwaves through Kenyan politics, openly admitting he could defend his seat on an ODM ticket in 2027 if that’s what the people want.
In a candid, no-holds-barred interview, the 41-year-old governor declared he is “definitely” running for re-election and dismissed any notion that another candidate is better suited to lead Kenya’s capital.
“Of course I will be going for a second term,” Sakaja said. “I don’t think there is a person better placed to run this capital.”
He added pointedly: “There are many discussions going on, but I am in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA). That is the party I was elected on. If we are still together in broad-based and the right party is ODM or UDA, I will go for any — but I will listen to the people.”
Elected in 2022 on the UDA ticket after rising through Kibaki-era youth mobilisation, TNA chairmanship, MP and Senator roles, Sakaja now faces mounting pressure over service delivery and a controversial KSh80 billion national government pact.
He shows zero signs of backing down.
“It is the most fulfilling political seat I have had, and it should be a stepping stone to even greater things,” he insisted, describing the Nairobi governorship as the second-most powerful position in the country after the Presidency.
Sakaja promised his administration would become the first to win two full terms while finally tackling the city’s chronic underfunding — the root cause, he argues, of most of Nairobi’s woes.
“No matter who you put to run the city… Until you sort out the financing issue, you will not have solved the problem.”
The 2027 race is shaping up to be brutal.
– Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has repeatedly declared his intention to unseat Sakaja — even mocking him with the tagline “brains vs dimples.”
– Former Governor Evans Kidero is rumoured to be plotting a comeback.
– Kasarani MP Ronald Karauri has already entered the fray, pointing to leadership gaps at City Hall.
Sakaja brushed off the personal jabs: “Great leaders discuss ideas and not individuals… The seat will be open for anyone to vie.”
The remarks reignite speculation that began in early 2025 when Raila Odinga publicly called Sakaja “my son” at an ODM women’s league event and urged the party to back him.
ODM figures, including Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, have openly courted the governor to cross over.
With Nairobi remaining an opposition stronghold and UDA struggling at the grassroots, analysts say a strategic shift to ODM could be politically shrewd — especially amid ongoing broad-based government talks.
As Kenya heads toward what promises to be its most unpredictable election cycle yet, Sakaja’s calculated flexibility signals major realignments are coming.
Will voters reward the bold move? Or will the promised “titanic battle” sink the governor who once vowed total transformation?
One thing is clear: Nairobi’s 2027 gubernatorial contest has just become must-watch politics.
Smart pivot or high-stakes gamble? Drop your comment below.
