South B Member of the Nairobi County Assembly has criticised Governor Johnson Sakaja’s reported decision to abandon the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), warning that the move will not shield him from growing criticism over his administration’s performance.
The MCA described Sakaja’s political realignment as the “last kicks of a dying horse,” arguing that joining ODM would not erase the failures and controversies that have characterised his tenure at City Hall.
According to the legislator, the governor should not expect ODM to provide political cover for an administration facing mounting questions over service delivery, governance and accountability.
The MCA maintained that political parties could offer candidates a platform and political support, but could not automatically erase public dissatisfaction with their performance in office.
“ODM will not save Sakaja. You cannot wash away the failures of an administration simply by changing political parties,” the MCA said.
The legislator argued that the governor’s reported move to ODM raised questions about his confidence in UDA and the political standing of the ruling party in Nairobi, a county considered strategically important in national politics.
The MCA said Sakaja’s decision could be interpreted as a sign of weakness within President William Ruto’s political camp in the capital, potentially undermining UDA’s influence ahead of the next electoral contest.
The legislator further argued that the move risked portraying UDA as a weak link in Nairobi politics, particularly if a sitting governor elected on the ruling party’s platform felt compelled to seek political refuge elsewhere.
The MCA urged President Ruto to take the matter seriously, arguing that the governor’s actions could damage the image of the ruling party and weaken its standing among Nairobi residents.
The legislator said the President should consider taking political action against Sakaja for allegedly portraying UDA as an increasingly unattractive political vehicle in the city.
According to the MCA, leaders elected on a party’s ticket have a responsibility to strengthen the party and demonstrate confidence in its leadership rather than abandon it when political pressure mounts.
The criticism comes amid political speculation over Sakaja’s future and the possibility of a realignment involving ODM, which has traditionally maintained a significant political presence in Nairobi.
Sakaja’s reported shift has also added another dimension to the evolving political contest in the capital, where parties and aspirants are positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The governor’s political future is likely to remain a subject of debate as leaders assess the implications of any potential alliance between ODM and President Ruto’s political camp.
For the South B MCA, however, changing political parties is not a substitute for addressing concerns about governance and service delivery.
The legislator maintained that Nairobi residents would ultimately judge Sakaja on his record at City Hall rather than the political colours he chooses to wear.
The MCA insisted that the governor must take responsibility for his administration’s performance and should not expect a new political affiliation to automatically restore public confidence.
As political realignments continue to shape Nairobi’s political landscape, the legislator’s remarks underscore the growing debate over whether party alliances can provide political protection to leaders facing criticism over their performance in office.
