- Sirisia MP John Waluke warned Lang'ata MP Jalang'o that his Nairobi senatorial ambitions are effectively finished following Winnie Odinga's entry into the race
- Waluke, speaking at a church in Bungoma County, said the seat already belongs to Raila Odinga's daughter
- Jalang'o has vowed to face Winnie head-on despite growing pressure from rival politicians to step aside
Sirisia Member of Parliament John Waluke has publicly urged his Lang'ata counterpart Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang'o, to reconsider his bid for the Nairobi senatorial seat following the entry of Winnie Odinga into the race.
Source: Facebook
Waluke, speaking during a church service in Bungoma County, told the gathering that Jalang'o's chances of clinching the seat effectively evaporated the moment Winnie declared her interest.
"That seat has already been taken by Raila Odinga's daughter, Winnie. I am speaking in church, and the bishop can write that down," Waluke said.
The third-term MP and close ally of President William Ruto argued that the race for the Nairobi County Senate seat is, for all practical purposes, already decided.
Jalang'o Vows to Stay in the Race
Despite the pressure, Jalang'o has made clear he has no intention of stepping aside. The Lang'ata lawmaker acknowledged Winnie's entry but framed it as welcome competition rather than a threat.
"I'm ready for her. Let her come we meet on the ground. The race is now interesting because I now have a competitor. It's not going to be easy for anyone," Jalang'o said.
Jalang'o was among the earliest prominent politicians to declare interest in the seat, spending considerable time building his campaign profile with little significant opposition. Winnie's announcement has dramatically altered that landscape, with a significant portion of public opinion now casting doubt on his prospects.
Waluke's remarks come just days after President Ruto himself backed Jalang'o for the seat, describing him as a suitable candidate to fill the position being vacated by incumbent Edwin Sifuna, who is reported to be eyeing the presidency in 2027.
Winnie Odinga's Entry Reshapes the Contest
The contest has grown increasingly crowded. Winnie Odinga is reported to be aligning herself with Sifuna's The Equatable Party (TEP), while Jalang'o is weighing a run on either an ODM or UDA ticket.
Adding a further twist, Winnie's brother, Raila Junior, publicly backed Jalang'o last week, stating he would not abandon his father's party and would support anyone contesting on its platform.
Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo is also reportedly eyeing the senatorial seat, adding yet another significant name to the field.
Waluke, though elected on a Jubilee Party ticket, has maintained strong ties with Ruto's administration and is widely expected to defect to UDA ahead of the next General Election.
Source: TUKO.co.ke