Jalang’o Dismisses Political Setback Fears as Winnie Odinga Enters Nairobi Senate Race

Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has dismissed speculation that his political fortunes are declining, insisting that neither a return to radio nor a retreat to his rural home would undermine him.

The first-term legislator, who won his seat on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket in the 2022 General Election, has declared his intention to contest the Nairobi senatorial seat currently held by Edwin Sifuna, who is eyeing the presidency.

Jalang’o said he was unfazed by critics predicting that he would return to broadcasting or leave active politics following the end of his parliamentary term.

“I have heard many people telling me that I will be returning to radio, or I will go home. I don’t think any of those can affect me in any way,” Jalang’o said.

Winnie Odinga enters the race

Speculation surrounding Jalang’o’s Senate bid intensified after East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga declared her interest in the same seat.

Speaking on October 15 at a memorial in Bondo for her late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Winnie said Sifuna’s anticipated move to a higher political office had created an opening she felt compelled to pursue.

Her announcement sparked debate about the Nairobi Senate contest, with some of Jalang’o’s critics arguing that ODM would naturally favour the daughter of the party’s founding leader, potentially weakening the Lang’ata MP’s chances.

However, Jalang’o dismissed the criticism, saying he approached his political journey with a philosophy centred on managing expectations and appreciating progress.

“I live with one philosophy, that happy are those who expect nothing for they will always appreciate if anything comes their way. The biggest wish of everyone is to make progress, that you today, you are not where you were yesterday. My being in politics might have been a progress in one way, just like the many things I achieved when I was working on radio,” he said.

ODM nominations at the centre of the contest

Beyond the competition between the two declared aspirants, attention has shifted to how ODM will conduct its internal selection process ahead of the 2027 General Election.

ODM deputy leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who also addressed the Bondo gathering, assured party members that the nominations would be conducted fairly.

The outcome of the process is likely to play a significant role in determining who represents ODM in the Nairobi Senate race.

Jalang’o has also outlined ambitions beyond the Senate, indicating that he intends to pursue the Nairobi governorship after serving in the upper house, potentially in 2032.