WINNIE ODINGA DECLARES BID FOR NAIROBI SENATE SEAT, SETTING UP A CLASH WITH JALANG'O IN THE 2027 ELECTIONS

Speaking at Migwena Grounds during the first anniversary commemorations of her late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Odinga addressed supporters and political leaders. She noted Sifuna’s presence at the event as she made the announcement.

“I have seen that there is a visitor here from Nairobi; his name is Sifuna,” she said. “Let it not be a rumour that as Edwin Sifuna searches for higher offices, I see there is a space. That is why I will stand for the senator of Nairobi.”

She repeated the point: “As Edwin Sifuna searches for higher office, I see a space in Nairobi. That is why I have decided I will vie to be the senator of Nairobi County.”

Odinga stressed that she would not campaign alone. “Lakini siendi pekee yangu. I am going with young people,” she said, urging young Kenyans to contest seats at all levels, including governor, senator, Member of Parliament and Member of County Assembly positions.



The announcement came exactly one year after Raila Odinga’s death on October 15, 2025. Odinga acknowledged public questions about her lower public profile in the months after her father’s passing, saying the loss had affected her deeply. She also recalled his belief that every Kenyan, regardless of background, deserved a decent life.

Winnie Odinga, Raila’s youngest child, was elected to the EALA in December 2022 for a five-year term. Her declaration marks a move from regional legislative work toward seeking a directly elected national office in the capital.



The Nairobi Senate seat is held by Sifuna of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), who won it in 2022 with 716,876 votes. Reports indicate he is considering a presidential bid in 2027. Odinga did not specify the party under which she would run, though some accounts noted signals of alignment with Sifuna’s opposition faction.

Her entry places her among several contenders. Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, known as Jalang’o, has previously declared interest and is seen by some as a frontrunner for the ODM ticket. Other potential aspirants include lawyer Danstan Omari, musicians Domani Munga and KRG The Don, United Opposition youth leader Ken Babu, lawyer Cecil Miller, former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo and nominated Senator Crystal Asige.

ODM Deputy Party Leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati, speaking at the same event, pledged free and fair nominations for all seats in 2027, including the Nairobi senatorial position.

Nairobi has historically delivered strong support for ODM candidates. The contest is expected to draw significant attention as parties prepare for nominations and sitting leaders position themselves for higher offices.

Odinga’s announcement comes amid political realignments following Raila Odinga’s death. Sections of the Luo Council of Elders recently recognised her as a potential heir to aspects of her father’s legacy. The 2027 election remains more than a year away, with candidates still to undergo party nominations and Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission clearance.

Her declaration elevates the profile of the Nairobi Senate race and signals her intention to enter competitive elective politics in Kenya’s most populous county.