Ruto Hints at Preferred Nairobi Senatorial Candidate Days After Winnie Odinga Declared Bid

President William Ruto has appeared to throw his weight behind Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, in the race for the Nairobi senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The president attracted attention after introducing Jalang’o as the “Nairobi senator” during his development tour of Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties, a remark that has been interpreted as a sign of support for the legislator’s political ambitions.

According to TUKO, Ruto made the remarks while addressing crowds during the tour, where Jalang’o was among the leaders accompanying him. Instead of introducing him by his current constituency, the president referred to him as Nairobi senator, sparking fresh discussion about the contest to succeed incumbent Senator Edwin Sifuna.

The timing of the statement has also attracted attention because it came shortly after East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga announced her intention to contest the same seat.

Winnie made her declaration on October 15, 2026, during the first anniversary commemoration of her late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County.

She explained that she was interested in the Nairobi senatorial position because Sifuna was expected to pursue a higher political office in the 2027 elections.

Her announcement has introduced a new dimension to the contest, with political observers expected to closely follow how the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) handles the competing ambitions of its members.

Jalang’o, who was elected Lang’ata MP on an ODM ticket in 2022, has previously declared his intention to move to the Senate. He has maintained that he is ready to compete against other aspirants and is not intimidated by the entry of additional candidates.

The former media personality has also dismissed suggestions that he could abandon his political ambitions and return to broadcasting if he fails to secure the senatorial seat.

Winnie’s entry has nevertheless intensified the political debate, particularly because of her family’s long-standing association with ODM and its founding leader, Raila Odinga.

Some supporters believe her political background could strengthen her position, although the outcome will depend on the nomination process and the support she can mobilise among Nairobi voters.

ODM deputy leader Simba Arati has indicated that the party will conduct fair nominations, suggesting that candidates will have to compete for the party ticket rather than rely solely on their political connections.

Ruto’s remarks, however, should not automatically be treated as a formal endorsement. Although his description of Jalang’o as Nairobi senator has fuelled speculation about his preferred candidate, the president did not publicly explain whether he was officially backing the legislator or commenting on his ambitions.

The Nairobi Senate race is expected to become more competitive as the 2027 General Election approaches, with several political figures considering their chances of succeeding Sifuna.

The contest could also expose differences within ODM as aspirants seek the party’s nomination. For Jalang’o and Winnie, the challenge will be to convince party members and Nairobi residents that they are best suited to represent the county in the Senate.

With both politicians expressing interest in the seat, Ruto’s latest remarks have added further attention to a contest that is already shaping up to be one of Nairobi’s closely watched political battles ahead of the next general election.

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