Join ODM if you want another term as Nairobi governor, Junet tells Sakaja

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) director of elections and Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has challenged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to join the party if he hopes to secure another term in office in the 2027 General Election.

Speaking during an empowerment event in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, on Sunday, the Suna East MP said ODM would only consider backing Sakaja's re-election bid if he defects from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Junet argued that Nairobi remains an ODM stronghold and maintained that the governor would not retain his seat without the support of the Orange party.

"If Sakaja still wants to be re-elected as Nairobi governor in 2027, he should come to ODM. If he chooses to remain where he is, he will wait until Jesus returns and nobody will elect him," Junet said.

He maintained that ODM intends to field and support candidates for all elective positions in Nairobi, saying the party is confident of retaining its influence in the capital ahead of the next general election.

Junet said ongoing political engagements between ODM and UDA should not be interpreted to mean that the Orange party would automatically back Sakaja's bid for a second term.

According to him, the party has its own plans for the Nairobi governor's race and will make its decisions independently.

"We want ODM to win every elective seat in Nairobi. If Sakaja does not join ODM, we will not support him because we have our own candidate for governor," he said.

The legislator also indicated that the person the party is considering for the gubernatorial race is not Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, despite the lawmaker having publicly expressed interest in succeeding Sakaja.

Calls for Sakaja to join ODM are not new.

Earlier last year, a section of ODM leaders, publicly urged the Nairobi governor to consider joining the Orange party, arguing that it would strengthen his chances of retaining the county's top seat.