- President William Ruto introduced Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor (Jalang'o) as 'Nairobi senator' during a working tour of Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties
- The remark came a day after EALA MP Winnie Odinga declared her intention to contest the same Nairobi senatorial seat at her father's memorial in Bondo
- Jalang'o, currently in his first term as MP, has said he wants to succeed Senator Edwin Sifuna, who is eyeing the presidency in 2027
President William Ruto has seemed to endorse Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o, for the Nairobi senate seat after he publicly referred to him as "Nairobi senator" while addressing crowds during a working tour of Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties.
Source: Twitter
The remark tends to draw significant attention given the emerging contest for that seat.
Jalang'o was among government-aligned leaders who accompanied the president on the tour.
When introducing him to the gathering, Ruto bypassed his parliamentary constituency entirely. "I have Jalang'o, Nairobi senator," the president said as he welcomed the MP forward.
Winnie Odinga's Senatorial Declaration
The comment was brief and Ruto did not elaborate on the seat, but its timing proved significant.
It came two days after East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga, at her late father Raila Odinga's memorial in Bondo, Siaya County, declared her intention to contest the Nairobi senatorial seat.
Winnie argued that Senator Edwin Sifuna's anticipated departure for higher office would create a vacancy she intends to fill. Sifuna is currently being fronted by the Linda Mwananchi group as a presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.
Following Winnie's announcement, critics of Jalang'o argued that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) would naturally favour her as the daughter of the party's founding leader, with some predicting her entry into the race would end the Lang'ata MP's political ambitions.
ODM deputy leader Simba Arati, also speaking at the Bondo memorial, stated that the party would conduct fair nominations.
Jalang'o's Senatorial Ambitions
Jalang'o, currently serving his first term as MP after winning on an ODM ticket in 2022, has made no secret of his intentions.
He has publicly stated his desire to succeed Sifuna in the Senate and has outlined a longer-term plan to eventually contest the Nairobi governorship, potentially in 2032.
He has remained unfazed by the political pressure surrounding the race.
"I don't think any of those can affect me in any way," he said, responding to suggestions that he could return to radio presenting or abandon the senatorial bid altogether.
Ruto's remarks fell short of a formal endorsement and made no reference to Winnie or the internal ODM nomination process.
Nonetheless, the public framing offers Jalang'o a degree of visible support from the president as the contest for the Nairobi senatorial seat begins to take shape ahead of the vote.
ODM deputy leader Simba Arati had declared that the party would subject all candidates to fair nomination processes regardless of their networks and connections.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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