CITIZEN'S TINA OGAL JOINS ODM FOR MP SEAT

Veteran broadcaster Tina Ogal has officially joined the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), declaring her intention to contest for the Embakasi East parliamentary seat in the 2027 General Election.

Ogal was unveiled on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Chungwa House in Nairobi during a recruitment exercise led by ODM Acting Secretary General Catherine Nakhabi Omanyo. The event brought together a number of new aspirants as the party intensifies efforts to reorganise and expand its base ahead of the next election cycle.

Confirming her entry, Omanyo stated:
"I have welcomed several aspirants into the party as part of strengthening and rejuvenating it. Veteran radio presenter Tina Ogal has joined the party and expressed interest in the Embakasi East Parliamentary seat."

Ogal’s transition marks the culmination of a gradual shift from media into public leadership. With over 21 years in broadcasting, she has built a strong reputation as a Kiswahili presenter and media manager, rising through the ranks at Royal Media Services, particularly at Radio Citizen where she has been a familiar voice since 2004.

Her professional journey saw her grow from a presenter into senior editorial roles, including serving as Acting Head of Radio following the departure of Jeridah Andayi. Known for her discipline and connection with audiences, she has been widely regarded as a communicator who understands grassroots concerns.

In a recent reflection on her journey, Ogal acknowledged early challenges, including self-doubt over her Kiswahili delivery, which she overcame through preparation and consistency—eventually rising to lead teams and manage editorial direction.

Speaking during her unveiling, she said:
"My journey has always been about engaging with people, listening to their concerns, and telling their stories. I now want to take that commitment a step further."
She added:
"Leadership is about service, accountability, and delivering real change to the people."

Her entry places her squarely in the race for Embakasi East, currently represented by Babu Owino. The legislator has signalled interest in running for Nairobi governor in 2027, a move that could leave the parliamentary seat open, though he has yet to make a final declaration.

Even as that decision remains pending, the constituency is already attracting a growing list of aspirants. Ogal becomes one of the most high-profile entrants, joining political organiser Calvince Okoth, popularly known as Gaucho, who has also declared interest.

Other figures linked to the race include former aspirants, ward representatives, and grassroots organisers such as Rashid Kotote, Ricardo Nyantika, Stazo Elijah Omung’ala, and Francis Mureithi—highlighting an increasingly crowded and competitive field.

Analysts suggest that ODM nominations could be decisive in determining the eventual winner, given the party’s strong support base in the constituency.

Ogal’s recruitment comes at a time when ODM is actively repositioning itself through internal reforms and wider inclusion. Under Omanyo’s leadership, the party has emphasised the need to attract professionals, youth, and grassroots leaders into its structures.

The ongoing recruitment drive has been framed as part of strengthening internal democracy and ensuring a more open and competitive nomination process.

Reaffirming this direction, Omanyo stated:
"We are committed to opening a democratic space that will encourage as many people as possible to join the party."

Alongside Ogal, the party also received Bayamin Mahat, who is eyeing the Waberi Ward seat in Garissa County, and Bobby Onunga, who has expressed interest in the Embakasi Ward MCA position.
The exercise has also seen increased attention around other potential candidates within ODM circles, including media personality Willis Raburu, who has been mentioned in early discussions around the Kisumu Senate race.

Ogal’s move reflects a broader trend of Kenyan media figures transitioning into politics, leveraging their public visibility and communication skills to connect with voters. This includes Royal Media Services senior news anchors Lulu Hassan and Trevor Ombija, who have expressed interest in the Mvita and Nyakach parliamentary seats respectively.

Observers note that their national profile could resonate particularly with younger and urban voters. However, they also caution that success in elective politics will depend on an ability to build a strong grassroots network and address constituency-specific issues.

Unlike many of her competitors who have risen through local political structures, Ogal enters the race with national recognition shaped by years in broadcasting—a factor that introduces a new dynamic into the Embakasi East contest.