Raila Odinga Junior has publicly endorsed Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, for the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 General Election, just days after his sister Winnie Odinga declared her own interest in the same position.
Junior made the remarks on Friday during an event attended by Jalang’o, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris, and supporters. He thanked the Lang’ata lawmaker for offering himself for the senatorial race and assured him of backing from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
“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.
He reaffirmed the family’s commitment to the party, noting that their late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, left them within ODM. “Baba 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, referring to Jalang’o’s bid alongside his own political plans.
Junior, who is eyeing the Kibra parliamentary seat on an ODM ticket, also called for competitive party nominations rather than direct tickets ahead of 2027. He said aspirants, including himself, should face the party’s nomination process.
The endorsement comes shortly after Winnie Odinga announced her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat on October 15, during commemorations marking the first anniversary of their father’s death at Migwena Grounds in Siaya County. She cited an expected opening as current Senator Edwin Sifuna pursues higher office.
Winnie, currently an East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member, has been developing her political profile independently, including through initiatives associated with Linda Mwananchi. Her declaration placed her in potential competition with Jalang’o, who had earlier expressed interest in the Senate seat under the ODM banner.
The developments highlight emerging dynamics within ODM and the Odinga family as politicians position themselves for the 2027 elections. Junior’s support for Jalang’o underscores a preference for open primaries while both siblings pursue elective office linked to their father’s political legacy—Junior in Kibra and Winnie in Nairobi.
The race for the Nairobi Senate seat is expected to intensify, with other aspirants also showing interest as the incumbent explores higher ambitions.