Raila Odinga Junior has endorsed Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, for the Nairobi Senate seat, days after his sister Winnie Odinga declared her intention to contest the same position in the 2027 General Election.
Junior made the remarks on Friday during an event attended by Jalang’o, Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris and supporters, where he declared his backing for the lawmaker’s bid on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
“I would like to thank Jalas for offering himself for the Senatorial position. I would like to assure you that we (as ODM) are behind you; we are supporting you,” he said.
At the same time, Junior reaffirmed his loyalty to ODM, saying his late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, had left the family in the party.
Raila Odinga Junior addressing delegates during the ODM at 20 celebrations in November 2025.
Photo
ODM
“Baba (Raila Odinga) left us inside ODM, and that is where we are, and our brother belongs to ODM, and I am solidly behind these two,” he added.
He also said ODM should not hand candidates direct nominations for the 2027 elections, insisting that aspirants should compete through the party’s nomination process.
Junior said he was also prepared to face the nomination process as he seeks the Kibra parliamentary seat, a constituency closely associated with his late father’s political career.
His endorsement comes less than a week after Winnie announced her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat during the first anniversary commemoration of Raila’s death on October 15.
“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,” Winnie said.
Her declaration put her in the same race as Jalang’o, who has already expressed interest in the seat under the ODM ticket.
The contest could also be affected by the political future of incumbent Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who, on his part, has declared his interest in the presidency.
As such, Junior’s public backing of Jalang’o could expose competing political interests within the Odinga family, with the siblings now appearing to favour different paths in the Nairobi Senate contest.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's daughter Winnie Odinga during the ODM's 20th anniversary celebrations on Saturday, November 15 2025.
Photo
ODM