Embakasi North Member of Parliament James Gakuya has entered the heated debate on the impending impeachment of Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, arguing that Sakaja’s political survival hinges on the support of Raila Odinga and the ODM fraternity.

Speaking on Tuesday, August 2, 2025, during a political talk show aired by a local television station, Gakuya claimed that Sakaja has leaned heavily on Raila’s influence to steady his administration in the face of growing threats of removal.

“The majority of Nairobi are ODM supporters. Sakaja will always enjoy Raila’s support because 75% of county leadership is under the control of the ODM fraternity,” Gakuya said.

His remarks come at a time when whispers of impeachment have dominated Nairobi’s political corridors for the past week, with critics pointing to sharp divisions in the County Assembly and rising dissatisfaction over the governor’s handling of city affairs.

According to Gakuya, Sakaja’s fate rests on whether ODM chooses to stand with him or not.

“However, if the ODM fraternity decides to go rogue, Sakaja will not survive impeachment. He has always clung to Raila, spending a lot of money to win his favour,” he added.

The legislator further suggested that the governor’s ability to avoid impeachment may hinge on his relationship with ODM leadership.

“His rescue from impeachment can only fail if he does not raise the required dowry, or if pressure from the ODM leadership forces Raila to withdraw his support for him,” Gakuya observed.

The impeachment threat has become a dominant political conversation in Nairobi, with some leaders accusing Sakaja of failing to address governance issues, while his allies insist that political rivalries are fueling the storm against him.

For many Nairobi residents, the showdown reflects the larger battle for control of the capital city, where ODM commands significant political ground. The county assembly, with a majority aligned to Raila Odinga, has long been viewed as the kingmaker in city politics.

Rage on governor’s future

As the debate rages on, the governor’s future remains uncertain. While ODM’s loyalty to Raila has historically shaped Nairobi’s political decisions, observers say Sakaja’s next moves will determine whether he strengthens his position or falls victim to the same political arithmetic now being highlighted by Gakuya.

With the impeachment motion looming, Sakaja’s administration faces both a political and public test. How he navigates ODM’s grip on the county assembly and Raila’s decisive influence could define not only his tenure but also the direction of Nairobi’s leadership.