A section of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has challenged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to seek the party’s ticket through competitive nominations.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The ODM legislators dismissed expectations that Sakaja could receive a direct ticket, insisting that every aspirant seeking the party’s support must face its primaries.

While speaking at the ODM delegates' meeting in Kamkunji Constituency on September 6, Makadara MP George Aladwa said politicians currently serving under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) should remain there, warning Sakaja, who is part of the party, not to assume ODM would automatically accommodate his political ambitions.

“Those in UDA should stay in UDA and should leave those in ODM alone. Nairobi is a predominantly ODM region, Sakaja should be warned and stay in ODM for the 2027 General elections,” Aladwa stated.

📌 What You Need to Know

The legislators maintained that Nairobi remains predominantly ODM territory and argued that anyone seeking to fly the party’s flag must first convince members.

Nominated Senator Hamida Kibwana similarly maintained that Sakaja would not receive preferential treatment if he joined ODM and sought the Nairobi governorship.

Kibwana said politicians moving from UDA to ODM should prepare to compete in party primaries alongside other aspirants rather than expect direct nomination.

“If someone comes from the UDA Party and wants to vie for an elective seat in 2027 under ODM, they should not expect a direct ticket from the party. They should rightfully get their ticket through party primaries like all the other contestants,” Kibwana stated.

The latest position comes as ODM and UDA advance plans for their 2027 General Election coalition, following the formal unveiling of a joint political framework on August 11, following a high-profile leadership retreat in Naivasha, bringing the two parties together under a shared electoral strategy.

Sakaja has previously confirmed that he received approaches to join ODM but has not formally announced his departure from UDA, as speculation over his 2027 plans continues.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke