The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has moved to quell tensions within its ranks following suggestions that Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja could be fronted as a new member ahead of the 2027 elections.

On Monday, ODM's leadership attended a prayer convention at the Bomas of Kenya in a final show of support for Raila Odinga as he prepares for his African Union Commission Chairmanship bid this weekend.

At the event, ODM lawmakers led by Makadara MP George Aladwa openly urged Sakaja to join ODM, while Raila urged his supporters to walk with the governor during his time in City Hall. 

However, the party's chairperson, Gladys Wanga, speaking during an interview on Ramogi FM, strongly denied that Raila's party is backing Sakaja.

Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja and AUC chair hopeful Raila Odinga at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, February 10, 2025.

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Johnson Sakaja

According to Wanga, the sentiments made on Monday during Raila's AUC prayer meeting mainly revolved around Sakaja working with everyone, including ODM leaders, to make Nairobi better.

"Jakom (Raila) never talked about 2027," Wanga clarified. "I want us to be clear here. He only wants Nairobi to be politically steady under the stewardship of Sakaja. He never talked about 2027. I want to make it clear here on behalf of the party that all aspirants interested in the governorship position will come out and contest freely," assured Wanga.

To further quell potential rifts within ODM amid the prospect of Sakaja joining the party, the Homa Bay governor also suggested that each party member, including Sakaja's fierce critic Babu Owino, stood a fair chance of contesting for office under the party.

She added, "I want to say that Babu Owino is a strong member of the ODM Party and he has come out strongly to prove that. He is a strong and respected member of the party and nobody can deny him whatever position he would want in the party if we go for a free and fair party primaries or even elections."

Governor Wanga's move to calm a possible political storm came after Sakaja said on Monday that he would hold a meeting with ODM women leadership in Nairobi county after the conclusion of Raila's AUC bid.

"I’ve heard what Aladwa and (Gladys) Wanga have said. Where there are clouds, there is rain. In two weeks, I want to have a meeting with ODM bosses in Nairobi. I want to show you that I’m one of you," Sakaja said.

Since President William Ruto's broad-based government took full effect, Raila has been on cordial terms with Kenya Kwanza leaders, including Sakaja - a factor that has been met with criticism from some of the former Prime Minister's close allies and former allies.

Recently, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino criticised Raila over reports suggesting the former Prime Minister had endorsed Sakaja for the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027, claiming Sakaja was using the support as a 'political gimmick'.

A collage of Opposition Leader Raila Odinga and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Kenyans.co.ke