Sakaja: I love Ruto’s work ethic, he is the most misunderstood leader
By Paulette Mboga, October 8, 2025Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has spoken highly of President William Ruto, praising his hard work and describing him as the most misunderstood leader in the country.
Speaking to Milele FM on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, about the people who inspire his leadership, Sakaja said that globally, his role model is former US President Barack Obama, while locally, he looks up to President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.
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“For me, globally, it’s Barack Obama. Locally, it’s our President and Raila Amollo Odinga,” Sakaja said. He added that he admires Raila for what he has endured in his political journey and the sacrifices he has made for the country.
On President Ruto, Sakaja was clear about what stands out for him. “Uhm, I love the president’s work ethic. Leave me, he is the most misunderstood politician,” he said.
Says he respects Raila’s sacrifices for the country
Sakaja hinted that both Ruto and Raila represent strong leadership qualities that have influenced his own style of governance. For Sakaja, Raila’s resilience through years of political struggle shows his deep commitment to the nation.
In September 2025, Raila Odinga met with Sakaja and ODM-allied Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation (JOOF) in a closed-door meeting. The talks came at a time when the MCAs were pushing for Sakaja’s impeachment.
During the meeting, Raila persuaded the ward representatives to suspend their impeachment plans to allow room for dialogue and reconciliation between the Governor and the Assembly.
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Afterwards, ODM Nairobi chairman George Aladwa announced that the MCAs had agreed to halt the process for one month. The decision, he said, would give Sakaja time to adjust his leadership approach and rebuild relations with the Assembly.
Aladwa also revealed that Sakaja acknowledged all the accusations the MCAs levelled and apologised to them during the meeting.
”We have deliberated for nearly four hours, and the MCAs have raised all their concerns. Nairobi leadership, as well as the party, has also resolved to drop the impending impeachment to allow us to correct the wrong,” Aladwa said.
The truce offered Sakaja a chance to refocus on his leadership duties and mend political divisions within City Hall.