Sakaja Confess He Wouldn't Be Nairobi Governor Without Raila and Ruto, Says They're Experienced

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has openly admitted that his political journey would not have been possible without the support and mentorship of President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking during a public gathering, Sakaja said leadership is about learning from those who came before you. 

He explained that many young leaders fail because they believe success comes through personal effort alone, yet politics is built on guidance, teamwork, and experience.

“In politics, you must have someone to guide you. Before you can lead, you must first be led. Without Raila Odinga and William Ruto, I would not be governor today,” Sakaja stated during the interview.

The governor said he remains grateful to Nairobi residents who voted for him, but he acknowledged that their confidence in him was also influenced by the political leaders and party structures that supported his campaign. 

According to Sakaja, strong political networks often shape public trust, especially in a large and complex city like Nairobi.

He added that showing respect to senior leaders is not only a matter of courtesy but also a sign of political maturity. 

Sakaja noted that both Raila and Ruto have spent decades in public service and understand the realities of leadership.

“Raila has served Nairobi for many years and understands the city well. Ruto has been in politics since the 1990s and is now the president. These are leaders whose experience we must respect,” he said.

Sakaja’s remarks come weeks after he survived a dramatic impeachment attempt at City Hall. At least 85 Nairobi Members of County Assembly (MCAs) had signed a motion seeking his removal from office. 

The motion cited allegations of corruption, misuse of public funds, and failure to deliver on some campaign promises.

The planned impeachment created tension in the county government, with political observers warning that Nairobi risked entering another period of instability if the governor was removed.

However, the situation changed after President Ruto and Raila Odinga reportedly intervened. The two leaders are said to have urged their allies in the county assembly to allow the governor more time to address the concerns raised against his administration.

Their intervention played a major role in calming the political situation and stopping the motion from proceeding. 

As a result, Sakaja avoided becoming the third governor to be impeached in 2025, following the removal of Isiolo Governor Abdi Guyo and Kericho Governor Eric Mutai earlier in the year.

Instead of facing removal, Sakaja was given a 60-day period to respond to the issues raised and demonstrate progress in improving service delivery in Nairobi.

Political analysts say Sakaja’s public acknowledgment of Raila and Ruto reflects the growing cooperation between leaders across party lines, especially on matters affecting governance and stability in major counties.

The governor hinted that he is focused on uniting leaders and residents to work together for the development of Nairobi. 

He emphasized that political competition should not stop leaders from working together for the benefit of citizens.

“As leaders, we must put Nairobi first. Politics will always be there, but service to the people must come before everything else,” Sakaja said.