Jalang’o to Run Against Sifuna for Nairobi Senatorial Seat in 2027

Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, widely known as Jalang’o, has revealed that he intends to run for the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 General Election, a move that could see him square off with ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.

Speaking during an interview on Radio 47 on Tuesday, February 10, Jalang’o confirmed that he is shifting his political focus from Lang’ata constituency to the county-wide position.

“There is nothing that stops me from becoming the Senator of Nairobi or even the governor. I have walked in various parts of the country and come to understand what people need. I can confirm that I will be vying for the Senate seat in Nairobi,” he said

The first-term MP, who won the Lang’ata seat in 2022 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, said he is preparing to seek a broader leadership role in Nairobi politics.

Jalang’o Plans to Run for the Nairobi Senatorial Seat

His declaration comes amid growing talk about his political direction, particularly following his recent public appearances alongside Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir, a former Lang’ata MP, and South C Ward MCA Abass Khalif.

Khalif has already made public his intention to contest the Lang’ata parliamentary seat in the next election cycle.

The joint events raised eyebrows and sparked speculation that Jalang’o could be paving the way for a departure from his current seat.

Political observers have interpreted the meetings as early signs of strategic positioning ahead of the 2027 polls.

When asked directly whether the engagements signaled a plan to vacate Lang’ata in pursuit of a Senate bid, Jalang’o confirmed that he is indeed eyeing the Nairobi Senate seat.

His announcement sets the stage for what could become a high-profile contest within ODM ranks, should both leaders remain in the race.

Rising Tensions Within ODM

Should his bid materialize, it is expected to significantly reshape Nairobi’s political dynamics- particularly as Sifuna navigates internal party turbulence.

The ODM Secretary General has recently come under sharp criticism from Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, who is also the party leader.

In a strongly worded letter issued last Friday February 6, Oburu criticized Sifuna over remarks questioning the legitimacy of his leadership.

Oburu accused the Secretary General of sending mixed signals and blurring the line between personal views and official party positions.

He maintained that all current ODM officials are lawfully in office and serving in line with resolutions made by the party’s governing organs.

Emphasizing party unity, Oburu warned that no individual is greater than the movement itself.

The disagreement stems partly from Sifuna’s assertions that Oburu was not properly elected as party leader claims that have deepened divisions within ODM ranks.

Sifuna Stands His Ground

Despite the backlash, Sifuna has remained firm in his stance.

He has also appeared to resist the party’s broader position supporting President William Ruto’s administration, distancing himself from that approach.

Amid calls for him to step down, Sifuna has indicated he has no intention of resigning as Secretary General, setting the stage for continued friction within the party.

With nearly a year to the next General Election, the Nairobi political landscape is already beginning to take shape.

Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates