African Union Commission candidate Raila Odinga has urged Nairobi leaders to remain united as he entrusted Governor Johnson Sakaja with the responsibility of leading the city’s political affairs in his absence.
Referring to Sakaja as his son, Raila assured ODM members in the capital that they should remain steadfast while he is away, as the governor will oversee all political matters.
"I want Nairobi to remain united and strong. My son here will take charge," Raila said, pointing at Sakaja during a prayer meeting at the Bomas of Kenya.
Sakaja, a member of the ruling UDA party, attended the event, which was organised by women affiliated with ODM.
During the event, Sakaja said he would organise a meeting with ODM women leaders in Nairobi to show his political direction ahead of 2027.
“Dalili ya
mvua ni mawingu na mwenye macho haambiwi tazama,’’ Sakaja quoted the Swahili saying 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 said.
Raila commands a massive following in Nairobi, and his potential exit from the political arena should he win the AUC chairmanship, has been seen as one that would create a leadership vacuum in his party.
However, by
tasking Sakaja with leading his political troops in the city, Raila reaffirmed
his trust in the governor and provided clear direction for his supporters.
Although not an ODM member, Sakaja has been working closely 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 accompanied him on a tour of his expansive farm.
Sakaja has also joined Raila at major political meetings, 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 entrusting Nairobi to Sakaja, Raila appears to be signaling his strong approval of the governor’s reelection at the forthcoming general elections.
This move could also be seen as a subtle endorsement of Sakaja over his potential 2027 rivals, including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Embakasi North MP James Gakuya.
Babu has already declared his intention to challenge Sakaja in 2027, while Gakuya—who has the backing of leaders opposed to Kenya Kwanza—has also expressed interest in the race.
The 2027 Nairobi gubernatorial race is shaping up to be a fierce battle, with figures like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua expected to exert influence.
To solidify his position, Sakaja has recently rolled out a multi-pronged strategy, aligning himself with both President William Ruto and Raila.
He has also launched a major city clean-up initiative aimed at improving Nairobi’s image, alongside plans to relocate buses and matatus from key roads to ease congestion.
