- ODM deputy leader Simba Arati made the pledge at the memorial service for the late Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County
- Winnie Odinga, EALA legislator and Raila's daughter, announced she will contest the Nairobi Senate seat at the same event
- Her declaration sets up a direct contest with Lang'ata MP Jalang'o, who had been viewed as the party's frontrunner for the seat
ODM deputy leader Simba Arati has pledged that the party will conduct free and fair nominations for all the elective seats in the 2027 general election, including the Nairobi senatorial seat.
Source: UGC
This followed a declaration by EALA MP Winnie Odinga that she intends to contest it in the next year's polls.
Arati, who also serves as Kisii governor, made the commitment on Thursday, October 15, during the memorial service for the late Raila Odinga held in Bondo, Siaya County.
"As the ODM party, I want to promise to all our followers, that we will have a free and fair nomination, that include the one for the senatorial seat in Nairobi, and all other positions that we will be having," Arati said.
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Winnie Odinga Eyes Nairobi Senate Seat
Winnie, who is Raila's last-born child, announced her candidacy at the same commemoration, citing the political ambitions of current Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna as the opening that prompted her decision.
Sifuna, who attended the event, is reported to be eyeing the presidency in 2027.
"As Edwin Sifuna seeks a higher office, I see an opportunity in Nairobi, which is why I have decided to vie for the Nairobi County Senate seat," Winnie said.
Her announcement immediately raised questions about whether, as Raila's daughter, she would receive preferential treatment in the party's nomination process.
Arati's statement appeared designed to address those concerns directly, signalling that no candidate would be handed the ticket by virtue of lineage.
Jalang'o Ready for Contest
Winnie's entry creates a direct contest with Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, widely known as Jalang'o, who had until now been regarded as ODM's leading candidate for the seat.
Jalang'o first declared his interest in February this year, citing his knowledge of challenges facing Nairobi residents and his desire to strengthen oversight of county resources.
He reacted swiftly to Winnie's announcement, posting: "To The wire!! Iam ready!!"
The Nairobi Senate race now features two prominent ODM figures; the daughter of the party's founding leader and a sitting legislator who had long positioned himself as the natural choice for the seat.
Arati's assurance of a transparent nomination process is likely to be closely scrutinised as the contest takes shape ahead of the 2027 polls.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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