SportPesa Boss Ronald Karauri Joins UDA Dumps ODM

Kasarani Member of Parliament (MP) Ronald Karauri has changed his earlier political association with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) joined President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA), for Nairobi’s gubernatorial seat ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Karauri was officially received into UDA at the party’s headquarters in Nairobi on Monday, November 9, 2026, in an event attended by National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar, Dagoretti South MP John Kiarie and Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu, among other party officials.

His move comes just seven days after Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja officially ditched UDA for ODM, setting the stage for an interesting political contest involving two leaders whose ambitions are linked to the Nairobi gubernatorial seat.

Karauri, who has declared interest in succeeding Sakaja at City Hall, had previously expressed interest in pursuing the ODM ticket, raising the possibility of a contest against the incumbent governor within the Orange party.

Speaking during his reception at UDA headquarters, the Kasarani legislator thanked President Ruto and the party leadership for welcoming him into the ruling political outfit.

“Nairobi hoyee! Kwanza wacha nianze kwa kushukuru chama cha UDA nikianza na party leader, rais ya nchi ya Kenya kwa kunikaribisha kwa chama cha UDA,” Karauri said.

The MP reflected on his professional and political journey, highlighting his experience as an airline pilot, corporate executive and legislator.

He said his decision to join UDA followed years of navigating different political formations, during which he had experienced the challenges of operating outside established political parties.

“Hapa ni Nairobi, sindio? Mimi nimefanya kazi mingi. Nimekuwa rubani, nimekuwa CEO wa makampuni kadhaa, nikakuwa mbunge wa Kasarani. Nimekuwa independent na kukuwa independent imenifunza kutembea hii Nairobi,” he stated.

Karauri further suggested that his previous political experiences had involved repeated changes in party affiliations.

“Nimekuwa kwa vyama, ila nikienda kwa chama fulani, watu wanakuja kunitoa huko. Lakini leo ndio ile siku. Leo nimekuja kwa chama tawala cha Kenya kinaitwa UDA,” he added.

He then made a declaration that could have significant implications for the Nairobi gubernatorial contest, insisting that the county’s top seat belonged to UDA.

“Na niwakumbushe kiti cha gavana Nairobi ni kiti cha UDA,” Karauri declared.

Ichung’wah welcomes Karauri to UDA

Ichung’wah welcomed the Kasarani MP into the ruling party, expressing confidence that UDA would establish a strong political presence in Nairobi ahead of the next General Election.

“Hapa 2027, Kanairo itakuwa ni UDA. Karibu sana ndugu yangu kwa chama, tunakukaribisha,” the Majority Leader said.

The remarks appeared to signal UDA’s intention to reclaim political ground in Nairobi after Sakaja’s departure to ODM.

Karauri’s entry also gives the ruling party another prominent Nairobi politician as it prepares for the 2027 electoral contest.

Karauri’s change of political direction after pursuing ODM ticket

The MP’s latest move marks a significant shift from his earlier political positioning.

On October 29, 2026, Karauri indicated that he was interested in pursuing the ODM ticket for the Nairobi gubernatorial race during an interview with Alex Mwakideu.

At the time, he was still serving as an independent MP, having won the Kasarani parliamentary seat in the 2022 General Election without using a major political party’s ticket.