African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson candidate Raila Odinga has urged Nairobi leaders to remain united as he entrusted Governor Johnson Sakaja with the responsibility of steering the city’s political affairs in his absence.
Referring to Sakaja as his “son”, Raila reassured ODM members in the capital that they should stand firm while he is away, as the governor would oversee all political matters.
“I want Nairobi to remain united and strong. My son here will take charge,” Raila said, gesturing toward Sakaja during a prayer meeting at the Bomas of Kenya.
Sakaja, a member of the ruling UDA Party, attended the event, which was organized by women affiliated with ODM.
During the gathering, the governor announced plans to convene a meeting with ODM women leaders in Nairobi to outline his political direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Dalili ya mvua ni mawingu, na mwenye macho haambiwi tazama” (The sign of rain is clouds, and one with eyes does not need to be told to look), Sakaja said, quoting a Swahili proverb after Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga and Makadara MP George Aladwa prodded him to join ODM.
“While you are away, Baba, we want our great Governor Sakaja to take charge and also join ODM so that we can work together,” Aladwa added.
Raila commands a massive following in Nairobi, and his potential exit from active politics should he clinch the AUC chairmanship has raised concerns about a leadership vacuum within ODM.
However, by tasking Sakaja with leading his political base in the city, Raila reaffirmed his trust in the governor while providing clear direction for his supporters.
Although not a member of ODM, Sakaja has maintained a close working relationship with Raila, even before the formation of the broad-based government.
The governor previously visited Raila at his Opoda home in Bondo, where he spent several days and toured his expansive farm. Sakaja has also accompanied Raila to key political events, including the Mjadala Afrika debate for AUC candidates in Addis Ababa on December 13, 2024.
Additionally, he has attended national events and church services alongside Raila, underscoring their growing political alliance.
By placing Nairobi under Sakaja’s stewardship, Raila appears to be signaling strong approval of the governor’s re-election bid in 2027.
This move could also be interpreted as a subtle endorsement of Sakaja over his potential challengers, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya.
Babu has already declared his intention to unseat Sakaja, while Gakuya—backed by leaders opposed to Kenya Kwanza—has also expressed interest in the race.
