"I Wouldn't Be Nairobi Governor without Ruto and Raila Odinga" Johnson Sakaja Confess

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has openly admitted that his rise to City Hall was made possible with the guidance and support of President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking during a recent radio interview, Sakaja explained that in politics, it is important to have mentors who guide a leader’s steps.

He said both Ruto and Raila have played a critical role in shaping his journey.

“In politics, you must have a mentor. You must be led before you can lead. Without Raila Odinga and William Ruto, I would not be governor,” he said.

While appreciating his supporters for turning out in large numbers during the 2022 elections, the governor emphasized that voters often choose candidates based on the parties they represent and the leaders behind them.

According to Sakaja, his affiliation with UDA, backed by Ruto and Raila’s influence in Nairobi politics, was a key factor in his victory.

Recently, Sakaja faced turbulence after more than 80 Nairobi MCAs endorsed a plan to impeach him.

The ward representatives accused him of mismanagement of county funds, poor leadership, and failure to fulfill campaign promises.

They also raised concerns over the county school feeding program, which they claimed was being misused for personal gain.

However, the governor’s political survival was secured when both Ruto and Raila intervened.
President Ruto hosted UDA-aligned MCAs at State House and asked them to suspend the impeachment move, while Raila spoke to his allies in the Assembly to ease tensions.

The intervention gave Sakaja a 60-day period to address grievances raised by the ward leaders.

Had the motion succeeded, Sakaja would have become the third governor in 2025 to face impeachment after Isiolo’s Abdi Guyo and Kericho’s Eric Mutai, whose removals were dismissed by the Senate.

Sakaja’s acknowledgment of Ruto and Raila underscores how alliances remain central in Nairobi politics. He said young leaders must learn to respect those who have served longer and use their guidance to succeed.

“Raila has served Nairobi for many years, and Ruto has been in politics since 1997. They must be respected, and we must listen to them,” Sakaja said.