What Raila, Ruto Sensed Could Happen With Gachagua If Sakaja Were to Be Impeached By UDA & ODM MCAs

The joint efforts of President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, which saved Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja from impeachment, have exposed high-level political maneuvering unfolding in Nairobi ahead of the 2027 elections.

Taifa Leo has noted that the fear of a by-election if Governor Sakaja and his Deputy James Muchiri were impeached, drove both leaders to ensure the motion against Sakaja was quashed.

The publication also pointed out that the ouster of Sakaja and Muchiri would have benefited former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, giving him a chance to flex political muscle against President Ruto and demonstrate his influence in Nairobi ahead of 2027.

Moreover, because Sakaja was elected on a UDA ticket, his removal would have been a major blow to President Ruto and the ruling party, given the county’s strategic position as the seat of national power.

“Political trends are like waves. If Sakaja had been impeached, it would have set a bad precedent. Ruto and Raila could not afford to fail in saving him because the opposition could have grabbed seats. Nairobi politics carry heavy national weight. Saving Sakaja was a must for Ruto and Raila,” said Prof. David Monda, a U.S.-based lecturer and political analyst.

Analysts say Ruto and Odinga’s move to save Sakaja was part of a broader strategy to protect cohesion between UDA and ODM, while strengthening their joint influence in Nairobi.

Some allies of the unity government claimed that the impeachment motion was a ploy by opponents to destabilize the partnership between Ruto and Odinga.

“There are people within ODM and UDA who have never accepted the inclusive government and have been looking for ways to create rifts. Others are being used by outside rivals seeking to influence Nairobi politics,” said Makadara MP George Aladwa.

By ensuring Sakaja remains in office, both Ruto and Odinga are also seeking political stability in Nairobi as they prepare to safeguard their influence in the upcoming polls.

Prof. Monda further noted that Raila and Ruto have invested heavily in the unity government and could not allow such a motion to destabilize it.

“The former Deputy President (Gachagua) once opposed Sakaja, accusing him of frustrating businesses run by Mt. Kenya people in the city and restricting matatus. Any political move like this impeachment that could benefit Gachagua would be carefully watched not only by Ruto but also Raila,” he added.