Winnie Odinga’s declaration has changed the shape of the Nairobi Senate race and forced Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, to prepare for a stronger contest.
Winnie announced her bid on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during the first anniversary commemoration of her father, Raila Odinga, at Migwena Grounds in Bondo. She said she saw an opening in Nairobi as Senator Edwin Sifuna pursued higher political office.
A new contender changes the race
Jalang’o had already declared interest in the Senate seat months before Winnie made her announcement. He first entered the race in February and presented himself as a candidate with experience representing Nairobi residents through his work in Lang’ata.
Winnie Odinga and Raila Odinga Jnr during the burial of Raila Odinga. Photo Courtesy:
Winnie’s entry means he can no longer treat the race as a straightforward path to the seat or an uncontested ODM ticket. She brings national recognition, the Odinga name and a direct connection to the party’s political base. Her call for young people to seek elective office also signals that she intends to build a broader campaign around her bid.
Jalang’o responded to her announcement with a brief message: “To the wire – I am ready!” That response showed he was not withdrawing. But the contest has changed: he now faces a prominent rival whose announcement was made at a major ODM gathering and linked to Sifuna’s possible move to a higher office.
The battle moves to ODM
The immediate test may be inside ODM. If both candidates seek the party’s ticket, the nomination process could become as consequential as the general election campaign. A party commitment to free and fair nominations will face close scrutiny as the contenders build support.
Lang’ata MP Felix Jalang’o
For Jalang’o, the task is now to turn his parliamentary record and Nairobi-wide appeal into a case strong enough to compete with Winnie’s political profile. For Winnie, the challenge is to show that her announcement can grow into an organised campaign with support beyond the force of her family name.
Her declaration has not decided the race. It has raised the stakes and forced Jalang’o to reassess the route to the Senate seat. Nairobi voters—and ODM members—will now watch how both contenders build their campaigns and whether the party can manage the contest fairly.
