Raila Junior Backs Jalang’o for Nairobi Senate Seat as Winnie Odinga Enters Race

Raila Junior Backs Jalang’o for Nairobi Senate Seat as Winnie Odinga Enters Race

Raila Odinga Junior has endorsed Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, for the Nairobi Senate seat ahead of the 2027 General Election, days after his sister Winnie Odinga announced her intention to contest the same position.

Junior declared his support for Jalang’o on Friday during an event attended by the legislator, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris and other supporters.

He said the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) was behind Jalang’o’s senatorial ambitions, signalling support for the lawmaker as competition for the party’s ticket takes shape.

“I would like to thank Jalas for offering himself for the Senatorial position. I would like to assure you that we (as ODM) are behind you; we are supporting you,” Junior said.

The endorsement comes amid growing political interest in the Nairobi Senate race, with several leaders positioning themselves for key elective seats before the 2027 polls.

Raila Junior Reaffirms Loyalty to ODM

During his address, Junior also reaffirmed his commitment to ODM, saying his late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, had left the family within the party.

He described Jalang’o as a fellow party member and said he remained firmly behind the party’s direction.

“Baba (Raila Odinga) left us inside ODM, and that is where we are, and our brother belongs to ODM, and I am solidly behind these two,” he added.

Junior’s remarks come at a time when ODM is navigating questions about its leadership, candidate selection and political strategy ahead of the next General Election.

He also opposed proposals to give aspirants direct nominations, arguing that candidates should compete through the party’s established nomination process.

Junior said he was prepared to undergo the same process as he pursues the Kibra parliamentary seat, a constituency closely associated with his father’s political career.

His position suggests that he wants ODM candidates to secure their nominations through competition rather than automatic endorsement by the party.

Winnie Odinga Declares Nairobi Senate Bid

Junior’s endorsement of Jalang’o comes less than a week after Winnie announced her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat.

Winnie made the declaration during the first anniversary commemoration of Raila Odinga’s death on October 15, putting herself in direct competition with Jalang’o for the same position.

She said her decision was informed by the political space she believed existed in Nairobi as other leaders considered different elective offices.

“Let it not be a rumour that as Edwin Sifuna searches for higher offices, I see there is some space in Nairobi, and that is why I have decided I will vie for Senator of Nairobi County,” Winnie said.

Her announcement placed two members of the Odinga family on apparently different sides of the Nairobi Senate contest, although the final nominations and candidate line-up remain subject to the political process.

Jalang’o Faces Competition for ODM Ticket

Jalang’o, who currently represents Lang’ata Constituency in Parliament, has already expressed interest in becoming Nairobi senator on an ODM ticket.

Junior’s public endorsement could strengthen the lawmaker’s position within sections of the party, but it does not guarantee him the nomination.

The contest could also be influenced by the political plans of incumbent Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has declared an interest in the presidency.

Sifuna’s next political move may shape the field of candidates seeking to represent Nairobi in the Senate.

ODM Faces Key Decisions Ahead of 2027

The emerging contest highlights the challenges ODM faces as aspirants begin positioning themselves for the 2027 elections.

The party will need to manage competing ambitions while determining how candidates will be selected for various elective positions.

Junior’s call for competitive nominations adds another dimension to that debate, particularly as his endorsement of Jalang’o contrasts with Winnie’s decision to seek the same seat.

Whether the siblings’ differing political preferences will develop into a wider family or party dispute remains unclear.

For now, Nairobi’s Senate race is shaping up to be an important test of ODM’s nomination process and its ability to balance competing ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

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Raila Junior Backs Jalang’o for Nairobi Senate Seat as Winnie Odinga Enters Race