Sakaja Opens Up on Bond With Raila: “He Was My Political Mentor and Friend”

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has opened up about his relationship with the late Raila Odinga, describing the veteran opposition leader as both a political mentor and a close personal friend.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Sunday night, Sakaja said his bond with Odinga went beyond party politics despite the fact that he was never a member of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The Nairobi governor clarified that his political journey did not originate from ODM, but noted that his relationship with Odinga developed through cooperation and mutual respect over time.

According to Sakaja, the late opposition leader played an important advisory role in his leadership path.

“Baba was my political mentor and friend. I have never been a member of ODM. I did not come in through that party,” Sakaja said during the televised interview.

He explained that their relationship resembled that of a father and son, built on frequent consultations and political guidance. Sakaja said Odinga often shared insights with him on governance and national politics, particularly regarding challenges facing the capital city.

The governor also recalled a moment when some Members of Parliament questioned Odinga over what they perceived as his support for Sakaja. 

According to Sakaja, the late leader defended the working relationship, explaining the realities of managing Nairobi and the need for political support for the city’s leadership.

“I remember there was a time MPs had come together and they were upset about a few things,” Sakaja recounted. “Baba explained to them and they said it looked like he had a soft spot for Sakaja.”

Sakaja said Odinga responded by reminding the legislators of his long experience in Parliament and his understanding of the pressures that come with governing the capital.

The former prime minister reportedly told the MPs that supporting the Nairobi governor was necessary to help address the complex challenges facing the city.

The governor said the explanation helped ease tensions at the time and reinforced the mutual respect they had built over the years.

Odinga, one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, died in October 2025 after decades in national politics. His passing triggered tributes from leaders across the political divide.

Sakaja said his focus now remains on delivering services to Nairobi residents, maintaining that his actions in office can speak for themselves.

“My intentions are clear,” he said. “What I have done, I can vouch for in this city.”