Jalang’o Enters Nairobi Senatorial Race, Brushes Off Ruto Backing
Felix Odiwuor, also known as Jalang’o, a Lang’ata member of parliament, has announced ambitions to run for the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 general election.
Jalang’o mentioned his record and great performance during his first time in government as reasons for his optimism.
During an interview with Radio 47, the first-time MP stated that he believes he is qualified to run for any political job, including the governor’s seat.
However, he has decided to pursue the Senate due to its oversight mandate.
He maintained that his experience representing Lang’ata qualifies him to conduct efficient oversight of county resources in Nairobi.
“The work of an MP is oversight and management of public resources,” Jalang’o said.
Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, aka Jalang'o, has officially announced his bid for Nairobi Senator in the 2027 General Election. He will challenge current Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, confirming he will run on an ODM party ticket. pic.twitter.com/l9eaDxgpi6
— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) February 10, 2026
“I told myself that if we have delivered good results in Lang’ata, we can transform Nairobi as a whole by properly supervising county funds.
The legislator stated that he is familiar with difficulties affecting Nairobi citizens, citing road infrastructure, sanitation, water supply, security, and healthcare as critical concerns that require ongoing attention.
Jalang’o was critical of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, recognizing his strengths in political mobilization but criticizing him for supervision.
He claimed the senator has not been vocal enough about issues impacting Nairobi citizens and questioned when he last addressed important difficulties in the metropolis.
“I respect our Secretary General Sifuna. In politics, he has performed well, but on oversight, he has let us down,” Jalang’o said.
He added that party loyalty should not override advocacy for residents’ interests.
When asked about his decision to seek higher office after only one term as MP, Jalang’o disregarded suggestions that he should wait longer.
He stated that there is no legal requirement for how long an individual must serve in one job before trying for another.
He cited previous political trajectories, including that of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, to support his position.
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Jalang’o confirmed he intends to seek the seat on an Orange Democratic Movement ticket and expressed confidence that he would secure the party’s nomination, whether ODM contests independently or as part of a coalition.
He said party nominations would be the appropriate avenue to determine the flag bearer.
He also dismissed claims that his bid is backed by President William Ruto or is part of any external political project in Nairobi, saying the decision to run was entirely his own.
While reaffirming his loyalty to ODM, Jalang’o said he aligns with what he described as the party’s legitimate leadership and would focus his campaign on direct voter engagement rather than political patronage.
Jalang’o Enters Nairobi Senatorial Race, Brushes Off Ruto Backing
