MP Jalang’o Breaks Silence After Winnie Odinga’s Senatorial Bid

Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o, has broken his silence following Winnie Odinga's declaration that she will vie for the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 General Election.

Jalang’o, who has also declared interest in the Nairobi senatorial seat, responded to Winnie’s announcement with a brief statement signalling his readiness for the political contest.

"To the wire, I’m ready," Jalang’o stated in a social media update on Thursday, October 15.

Winnie announced her senatorial bid, saying she saw an opportunity in Nairobi as the incumbent senator, Edwin Sifuna, seeks a higher political office.

"As Edwin Sifuna seeks a higher office, I see an opportunity in Nairobi, which is why I have decided to vie for the Nairobi County Senate seat," she said.

Jalang’o declared his interest in the seat in February, expressing confidence in his ability to represent Nairobi residents.

He said his decision was informed by his understanding of the challenges facing residents and his desire to strengthen oversight of public resources at the county level.

"There is nothing that stops me from becoming the Senator of Nairobi or even the governor. I have walked in various parts of the country and come to understand what people need. I can confirm that I will be vying for the Senate seat in Nairobi," he said.

Jalang’o maintained that he was ready to pursue any political position he believed would enable him to serve the public.

"I make my decisions and I go for them. I'm telling you, I can be the Governor of Nairobi, I can be the Senator for Nairobi, I can be the MP for Lang'ata, and I can be an MP anywhere here in Nairobi. I've moved around, I've listened, I've spoken to people, so why not? I will go for it," he added.

Jalang'o also explained that his decision to seek the Senate seat was driven by the need for stronger oversight of Nairobi County's resources. 

He argued that effective supervision of public funds could help transform the county and improve the delivery of services to residents.

"The work of an MP is oversight and management of public resources. 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," he explained.

Jalang’o further suggested that Nairobi needed more active representation, claiming that there was an opportunity for a leader who would be present and effectively perform the responsibilities attached to the office.

"I have seen an opportunity where someone was elected but has not done their job. That is why we say Nairobi residents need fair representation and someone who is present," he further said.