Raila Odinga Junior has publicly backed Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, in his bid to become Nairobi Senator in the 2027 General Election, setting up a political contest that also involves his sister, Winnie Odinga.
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 assured the MP that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) would support his senatorial ambitions.
“I would like to thank Jalas for offering himself for the Senatorial position. I would like to assure you that we (as ODM) are behind you; we are supporting you,” Junior said.
His remarks came days after Winnie announced that she would also seek the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 elections. She made the declaration on Thursday, October 15, during the first anniversary commemoration of their late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County.
Winnie said she had decided to enter the race as current Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna pursues his presidential ambitions. Her announcement placed her among the aspirants seeking to represent Nairobi County in the Senate, alongside Jalang’o, who has already expressed interest in the seat under the ODM ticket.
Junior also used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to ODM, stating that his late father had left the family in the party. He maintained that he remained firmly behind the party and Jalang’o’s political ambitions.
“Baba (Raila Odinga) 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 further called for competitive party nominations ahead of the 2027 General Election, arguing that ODM should not issue direct tickets to aspirants. He said candidates should be allowed to compete through the party’s established nomination process.
Junior disclosed that he was also ready to participate in the nominations as he seeks the Kibra parliamentary seat, an area closely associated with his father’s political history.
The developments place the Odinga siblings on different sides of the emerging Nairobi Senate contest. While Junior has declared his support for Jalang’o, Winnie has expressed her intention to pursue the same seat.