Sakaja wears ODM cap at Raila vigil, sparks 2027 political speculation

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has sparked fresh political speculation after wearing an ODM-branded cap during a candle-lighting vigil held in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Uhuru Park.

The moment came on Friday when a supporter handed Sakaja the cap as the crowd chanted for him to put it on. The governor obliged, briefly swapping his own cap for the ODM headgear.

The cap closely resembled the style associated with Raila, making Sakaja’s gesture one of the most talked-about moments of his appearance at the memorial event.

Sakaja attends ODM-led vigil

The candle-lighting ceremony was organised as part of a month-long programme of tributes to Raila and was led by ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga.

Thousands of mourners, ODM supporters and Raila’s sympathisers gathered at Uhuru Park to honour the late opposition leader.

Sakaja’s presence was notable because of his current political association with the Kenya Kwanza administration. His interaction with ODM supporters therefore attracted particular attention, especially as political parties and leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Cap gesture fuels 2027 speculation

The brief exchange immediately reignited questions about Sakaja’s political future.

The governor has in recent months maintained engagements with ODM leaders, fuelling speculation that he could be exploring closer ties with the party or considering his options ahead of the next election.

His decision to wear the ODM cap added to those questions, with political observers interpreting the gesture as another indication that Sakaja may be keeping his political options open.

However, the governor has not made any formal announcement indicating that he is leaving Kenya Kwanza or joining ODM.