Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has praised the unity initiative led by President William Ruto, which has resulted in the inclusion of opposition members in the new Cabinet. Sakaja, who previously committed to uniting ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Ruto, emphasized the importance of national cohesion to deliver development to the citizens.
“In politics, there are no permanent enemies; what matters is the current situation. We need to deliver as a government. If coming together helps us achieve that, then why not?” he told the Star in an interview.
Sakaja was the first to reach out to Raila after the 2022 elections, collaborating with the opposition to fulfill his development agenda for Nairobi County. With Raila’s ODM now part of the government, a video of Sakaja expressing his commitment to working with all leaders circulated on social media.
In the video, recorded months ago, Sakaja stated that he would not cease his association with Raila, emphasizing his role in facilitating a partnership between Raila and Ruto.
He cautioned those opposing his collaboration with Azimio, asserting that if Raila were to join forces with Ruto, it would be an embarrassment for them. “I have no apologies for working with Raila Odinga and William Ruto. In fact, the day Raila sits with Ruto, I will be the one who brings them together,” he said in the video.
Sakaja stressed that Nairobi belongs to all its residents, not to any political party or tribe, and both President Ruto and Raila deserve respect. He urged those critical of his collaboration with Azimio to seek division elsewhere.
Despite being a member of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), Sakaja has effectively collaborated with many Members of County Assembly (MCAs) from the Azimio coalition. He has frequently stated that cooperation is vital for the effective governance of Nairobi.
“We can’t work without Azimio in Nairobi. To pass a finance bill, I need their support, which is why I work with them,” Sakaja explained.
Earlier this year, he faced backlash for meeting with ODM leaders. However, his consistent position against divisive politics and commitment to collaboration was reinforced after President Ruto nominated Raila Odinga’s allies to the Cabinet.
