Raila Junior Backs Jalang’o for Nairobi Senate Seat Against Sister Winnie

Raila Odinga Junior has thrown his weight behind Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, in the race for Nairobi senator, days after his sister, Winnie Odinga, announced her intention to contest the same seat in the 2027 General Election.

Junior declared his support for Jalang’o on Friday, October 16, during an event attended by the legislator, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris and other supporters. He endorsed the MP’s bid under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.

“I would like to thank Jalas for offering himself for the senatorial position. I would like to assure you that we (ODM party) are behind you. We are supporting you,” he said.

Junior also reaffirmed his commitment to ODM, noting that his late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, had left the family in the party.

“Baba 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.

The younger Odinga also opposed the issuance of direct party tickets to aspirants ahead of the 2027 elections, arguing that candidates should compete through ODM’s nomination process.

He said he was equally prepared to participate in the primaries as he seeks to become the next MP for Kibra, a constituency with strong historical ties to his father’s political career.

How Winnie Odinga entered the Nairobi Senate race

Junior’s endorsement comes shortly after Winnie announced her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat during the first anniversary commemoration of her father’s death on Thursday, October 15.

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP said she had decided to pursue the position as incumbent Senator Edwin Sifuna considers a move to a higher political office.

“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 declaration places her among the aspirants seeking to represent Nairobi in the Senate, alongside Jalang’o, who has also expressed interest in the seat on an ODM ticket.