NAIROBI, Kenya – East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member Winnie Odinga has declared her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 General Election, adding a new contender to an increasingly crowded political race.
Winnie, the daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, announced her bid on Thursday, October 15, during the one-year commemoration of her father at Migwena Cultural Grounds.
“Let it not be a rumour that as Edwin Sifuna searches for higher offices, I see there is some space in Nairobi and that is why I have decided I will vie for Senator of Nairobi county,” she said.
She did not disclose which political party or vehicle she would use to pursue the seat. However, she cautioned against speculation that she intended to ride on the political momentum surrounding Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna as he considers his next political move.
Her declaration sets the stage for a contest involving several figures seeking to represent Nairobi in the Senate, with questions remaining over ODM’s ticket and the political direction of leaders associated with the party.
Winnie Urges Young People To Seek Elective Office
Winnie also called on young people from across the country to join her political journey and consider contesting elective positions.
Her announcement comes amid growing attention to the political future of the Odinga family following Raila’s death and the emergence of different figures seeking to build on his political legacy.
A week earlier, a section of the Luo Council of Elders had reportedly recognised Winnie as her father’s political heir during a ceremony at the Odinga family’s Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County.
The traditional recognition is distinct from formal party leadership or the process through which voters choose their representatives.
Jalang’o, Danstan Omari Among Nairobi Senate Aspirants
Winnie’s declaration places her in the same race as Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, who has announced his intention to contest the seat on an ODM ticket.
The contest could also attract city lawyer Danstan Omari and musician Domani Munga of the rap group Wakadinali.
Other potential contenders include United Opposition youth leader Ken Babu, musician KRG The Don, lawyer Cecil Miller, former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo and nominated Senator Crystal Asige.
The political contest remains fluid, with the candidates’ party affiliations and final decisions likely to shape the field ahead of the 2027 polls.
Raila Odinga’s Children Eye Nairobi Seats
Winnie’s announcement comes as her brother, Raila Odinga Jr, pursues his own political ambitions in Nairobi.
Raila Jr has expressed interest in the Kibra parliamentary seat after previously considering Embakasi South. His mother, Ida Odinga, has backed his Kibra ambitions, while he has also consulted senior family figures, including Dr Oburu Oginga.
The family’s political activities have drawn attention as leaders and supporters debate how Raila Odinga’s political influence may be carried forward.
Winnie’s Senate bid and Raila Jr’s interest in Kibra represent separate electoral pursuits, with both expected to be shaped by party nominations, alliances and voter decisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
