Kasarani Member of Parliament Ronald Karauri has criticised Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja following his decision to leave the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and join the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In a statement on Monday, November 2, Karauri questioned Sakaja’s reasons for switching parties, arguing that the governor had won the Nairobi seat on a UDA ticket and that his political affiliation would not change residents’ assessment of his performance.
The MP accused Sakaja of failing to address key challenges facing the capital, including building collapses, flooding, garbage collection and unpaid bursaries.
MP Karauri takes aim at Sakaja after ODM defection. Photo: Courtesy.
Karauri further argued that changing political parties would not erase what he described as four years of poor leadership at City Hall.
Sakaja was officially welcomed into ODM at Chungwa House in Nairobi by senior party officials, including Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati and National Chairperson Gladys Wanga.
The governor linked his political journey to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, noting that their association began when he entered politics and continued through his election as Nairobi governor.
Sakaja also reflected on the criticism he faced over his close relationship with Raila, saying he had previously been accused of secretly supporting ODM before the formation of the Broad-Based Government.
His defection followed growing calls from a section of ODM supporters for him to formally join the party ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The move marks a significant political shift for Sakaja, who was elected Nairobi governor in 2022 on a UDA ticket.
