NAIROBI — Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) supporters in Nairobi are insisting that Makadara MP George Aladwa should be the party’s gubernatorial candidate in the 2027 General Election, dismissing growing speculation that Governor Johnson Sakaja could join the party and seek re-election on its ticket.
The supporters argue that ODM should reward its loyal members by giving them an opportunity to contest elective positions rather than automatically accommodating politicians seeking to join the party ahead of the elections.
Their position puts Aladwa at the centre of an increasingly competitive race to control Nairobi, with Sakaja’s apparent political overtures towards ODM adding another dimension to the contest.
Aladwa, who also serves as ODM’s Nairobi County chairman, has already declared his intention to challenge Sakaja, maintaining that anyone seeking the party’s ticket must be prepared to face a competitive nomination process.
In September, ODM delegates meeting in Makadara resolved to support Aladwa and oppose attempts to hand the party’s ticket to an outsider.
The delegates argued that the party had an established grassroots structure and should not sideline its members in favour of politicians seeking political convenience ahead of the 2027 polls.
Their position was reinforced on September 30, when more than 20 ODM ward representatives publicly endorsed Aladwa, citing his experience and engagement with party officials.
The endorsement strengthened his position as the party’s established gubernatorial aspirant, although the final nomination process and the wider political negotiations remain significant factors.
Aladwa previously served as mayor of the former Nairobi City Council and has maintained a political presence in the capital through his parliamentary and party leadership roles.
His supporters believe this experience gives him an advantage in a city where leadership, service delivery and political mobilisation will be central to the gubernatorial contest.
However, Sakaja’s political future has complicated ODM’s succession calculations.
The governor, elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket in 2022, has repeatedly faced calls to join ODM if he hopes to secure the party’s support for a second term.
On Saturday, Sakaja reignited the speculation during a memorial event honouring former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Jacaranda Grounds, where he asked residents which political party he should join.
Sections of the crowd called on him to join ODM, prompting the governor to say the party’s leadership would guide his political direction.
His appearance in ODM colours has further fuelled speculation about a possible political realignment, although he has not formally announced a defection.
For Aladwa’s supporters, however, such developments should not translate into an automatic ticket for the incumbent.
They argue that Sakaja should compete in the party primaries like any other aspirant if he joins ODM.
The unfolding contest also presents a test for ODM’s relationship with UDA under the broad-based political arrangement.
While cooperation between the two parties could influence the final choice of candidate, Nairobi ODM supporters appear determined to protect the party’s identity and nomination process.
As the 2027 elections approach, the central question is whether ODM will stand by its established aspirant or accommodate Sakaja should he formally join the party.
