Jalang’o vs Winnie Odinga: Inside their political journeys and battle for Nairobi Senate seat

Felix Jalang'o and Winnie Odinga are set to face off in the upcoming Nairobi Senate election in 2027. The two politicians have contrasting backgrounds and have taken different paths to their respective political positions. Winnie, daughter of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, entered politics through her father's party, ODM, and was elected to represent Kenya in the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) in 2022.

Jalang'o, on the other hand, entered national politics after gaining prominence in Kenya's entertainment and media industries. He was first elected to Parliament in the 2022 General Election, defeating Nixon Korir of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in Lang’ata constituency. The rivalry between Jalang'o and Winnie stems from their differing experiences and positions within ODM.

Both politicians have strong ties to the party, but their approaches to leadership and political engagement have led to tension. Jalang'o's relationship with President William Ruto has been a point of contention, as he has worked with Ruto's administration despite being elected on the opposition ticket. Winnie, while not as closely aligned with Ruto, has been vocal in debates about ODM's future and her father's legacy following his death in October 2025.

The election will test Winnie's ability to translate her national recognition and regional experience into support among Nairobi voters. With Edwin Sifuna's strong performance in the 2022 election, the contest will be closely watched as the political landscape in Nairobi evolves.