Geoffrey Mosiria Criticizes Sakaja’s Claim That Raila Urged Him To Join ODM

Former Nairobi County Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria has publicly questioned the direction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s decision to join the party, warning that its current leadership risks betraying the legacy of its late founder, Raila Odinga.

Sakaja officially defected from the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) to ODM on Monday, November 2, 2026, where he was received at the party’s Chungwa House headquarters by senior officials, including Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati and National Chairperson Gladys Wanga. The governor defended his move by claiming that the late former Prime Minister had personally advised him to join the Orange party to keep Nairobi politically strong.

However, Mosiria challenged whether ODM still upholds the core values that defined Raila’s political career.

Protecting Raila’s Legacy

In a sharp reaction to Sakaja’s entry, Mosiria argued that admitting figures with controversial leadership track records undermines everything the late ODM leader stood for.

“Baba believed in good leadership, integrity, accountability, and ethical governance. He stood firmly against corruption and believed that public leadership should be guided by principles and values,” Mosiria stated. “Admitting individuals with questionable reputations and integrity into ODM is an insult to Baba’s legacy and everything he stood for. His legacy deserves to be protected, respected, and upheld.”

Appealing directly to the party’s executive organ, Mosiria urged leaders not to compromise party ideals for short-term political gains ahead of the 2027 General Election.

“To the ODM leadership, I appeal to you: Please allow Baba to rest in peace by preserving the values he fought for. Do not betray his legacy for the sake of political expediency,” he added.

The Identity of ODM Post-Raila

Mosiria further questioned whether ODM could retain its identity and relevance without adhering strictly to the foundational principles established by its long-time leader.

“Or did Baba die with ODM? If ODM is to continue existing, it must remain anchored in the principles and values that Baba championed,” Mosiria noted. “Baba deserves to rest in peace, and his legacy deserves to live on through principled leadership.”

Sakaja’s high-profile switch comes as political realignments take shape ahead of 2027, with the governor seeking to defend his Nairobi seat on an ODM ticket amidst interest from other party contenders.