Lang’ata MP Jalang’o Declares Bid to Challenge Edwin Sifuna for Nairobi Senate Seat

Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, widely known as Jalang’o, has formally declared his candidacy for the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 General Election, positioning himself for a high-stakes contest against incumbent Edwin Sifuna, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General.

The announcement, made during a Tuesday interview on Radio 47, marks a significant political recalibration for the first-term legislator, who won the Lang’ata constituency in 2022 on an ODM party ticket.

Strategic Realignments Fuel Speculation

Jalang’o’s declaration follows weeks of intensifying speculation triggered by his repeated public appearances alongside Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir, a former Lang’ata MP, and South C Ward Member of County Assembly Abass Khalif.

Khalif has since publicly announced his intention to contest for the Lang’ata parliamentary seat, raising questions about whether coordinated succession planning is underway within Nairobi’s political circles.

When pressed about whether these engagements signal an agreement to relinquish his current parliamentary position, Jalang’o confirmed his ambitions extend beyond the constituency level.

“There is nothing that stops me from becoming the Senator of Nairobi or even the governor,” the MP stated. “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 emphasized his readiness for the challenge, asserting that his experience and grassroots engagement have equipped him with the necessary insight to effectively represent Nairobi’s diverse population at the Senate level.

Sifuna Faces Internal Party Turbulence

Jalang’o’s entry into the Senate race arrives at a particularly turbulent moment for Sifuna, who is navigating escalating internal conflicts within ODM’s leadership structure.

Last week, ODM Party Leader Oburu Odinga issued a sharply worded rebuke to Sifuna following the Secretary General’s public claims questioning the legitimacy of Oburu’s election to the party leadership position.

In his Friday statement, Oburu accused Sifuna of contradicting official party positions and blurring the lines between personal opinion and institutional policy—a pattern he suggested has created confusion among party members and supporters.

“No one is bigger than the party,” Oburu declared, directly challenging Sifuna’s recent conduct and statements.

The Siaya Senator defended the validity of his election and that of all current ODM officials, stating that their positions are substantiated by proper party organ resolutions. He criticized Sifuna for what he characterized as a failure to distinguish between individual views and collective party directives.

Defiance Over Party Alignment With Government

Adding to the internal friction, Sifuna has maintained what appears to be open defiance of ODM’s official position supporting President William Ruto’s administration. Despite pressure from senior party figures, the Secretary General has repeatedly stated he will not resign from his leadership role and has continued voicing positions at odds with the party’s formal alignment.

This public discord within ODM’s upper echelons creates an uncertain backdrop for the 2027 electoral contests, particularly in Nairobi where party cohesion could prove critical.

Implications for Nairobi’s Political Landscape

Jalang’o’s challenge is expected to significantly reshape Nairobi’s senatorial race. As a high-profile media personality turned politician, he brings substantial name recognition and a proven capacity to mobilize voters across demographic lines.

However, Sifuna remains a formidable political operator with deep institutional knowledge, established networks within ODM, and experience navigating complex political negotiations at both county and national levels.

The contest could expose or exacerbate existing faultlines within ODM, particularly if both candidates seek the party’s nomination. Questions remain about whether the party will conduct competitive primaries or whether backroom negotiations might influence candidate selection.

Political analysts suggest the race may also test the durability of party loyalty in Nairobi, where voters have historically demonstrated willingness to cross party lines based on individual candidate appeal rather than strict partisan affiliation.

Early Campaign Dynamics

With over a year remaining before the 2027 elections, both potential candidates have ample time to consolidate support bases, clarify policy positions, and build campaign infrastructure.

Jalang’o’s early declaration signals an aggressive campaign strategy, potentially allowing him to define the race’s terms before Sifuna formally launches his re-election bid. It also provides time to address potential vulnerabilities, including questions about his legislative record and whether his departure from Lang’ata might alienate constituency supporters.

For Sifuna, the dual challenge of managing internal party disputes while defending his Senate seat may strain resources and attention. His response to Jalang’o’s announcement, and how he positions himself amid ongoing ODM tensions, will likely shape public perception of his candidacy.

As Nairobi’s political class begins positioning for 2027, the Jalang’o-Sifuna contest has emerged as one of the capital’s most closely watched races, with implications extending beyond the Senate chamber to the broader future of ODM’s influence in the capital city.

Neither candidate has yet released detailed campaign platforms, but both are expected to address critical urban governance issues including housing, transport infrastructure, employment, and service delivery—concerns that resonate deeply with Nairobi’s electorate.

Follow us on X