Inside Nairobi 2027 Chessboard: Jalang’o Claims Sifuna Won’t Defend Senate Seat

Jalang'o during a past event and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna at previous political rally. PHOTO/ Jalango/NL

Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has sparked fresh political debate after stating that Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna will not contest the Nairobi Senate seat in 2027, despite growing speculation about a potential showdown.

His remarks now add momentum to discussions around Nairobi’s shifting political alignments as leaders position themselves early for the next general election.

Speaking on Nairobi Review with Herman Manyora, Jalang’o dismissed claims of rivalry between him and Sifuna and insisted that their friendship remains intact even as their political paths begin to diverge.

He also rejected suggestions that other political actors influence his decisions, saying he would not have entered the Senate race if Sifuna planned to defend his seat in 2027.

“Sifuna is actually a very good friend of mine it’s only that now we have not seen each other for a very long time and there is no way I was going to run for senate if he was running,” Jalang’o said.

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Jalang’o Bases Senate Bid on Political Calculations

He further explained that he bases his political move on what he described as “raw intelligence” from the ground.

In addition, he said he identified a gap that aligns with his long-term leadership ambitions. He maintained that his decision reflects careful planning rather than coincidence or external influence.

“There is no way I was going to run for senate if he was running… He is not running. I am part of people who consume very raw intelligence so I saw that gap and I have always had this big vision,” he added.

Jalango’s Nairobi Gubernatorial Ambition

Jalang’o then linked his Senate ambition to a broader political journey.

According to him, he intends to serve his second term in Lang’ata while also gaining experience that could prepare him for county leadership.

Ultimately, he expressed interest in contesting the Nairobi governorship in the future.

“I would go for my second term in Lang’ata but I want to have this perspective of how does running a county look like… I have a vision one day I will be governor of this city,” he added further.

Also Read: Faith Odhiambo Joins Sifuna and Babu Owino in Linda Mwananchi Movement

2027 dynamics

Meanwhile, political analyst Herman Manyora joined broader discussions on Nairobi’s evolving 2027 landscape, where leaders continue to reposition themselves ahead of the polls.

At the same time, Edwin Sifuna remains politically active but has not yet declared which seat he will contest in 2027.

He has not confirmed whether he will defend his Nairobi Senate seat or shift to another political position, which continues to fuel speculation as the election season approaches.

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