JALANG'O URGES ERIC OMONDI TO SHIFT POLITICAL AMBITION TO BABU OWINO'S EMBAKASI TURF

Lang’ata Mp Phelix ‘Jalang’o’ Odiwuor has advised comedian-activist Eric Omondi to aim his political ambitions at Embakasi East Constituency, just a day after a new Mizani Africa survey showed him leading comfortably in Lang’ata.

In a post shared on Monday, November 3, 2025, Jalang’o thanked his Lang’ata constituents for their confidence in him, before cheekily tagging Omondi with an invitation to try his luck elsewhere.

“When people have confidence in what you do!! I thank the people of Langata for trusting me with this job! Siasa kidogo kazi kwa wingi!!! @ericomondi nipigie tuongee uniwachie hii mbogi yako, enda usimame Embakasi East, Babu anatoka anapanda juu!”

Which loosely translates as; “A little politics, a lot of work! Call me, let’s talk so you can leave me your crew — go contest in Embakasi East, Babu is leaving for higher office!”)

The post followed the release of a Mizani Africa opinion poll published on November 3, 2025, ranking Jalang’o at 53 percent support among Lang’ata voters, Abass Khaliff and Eric Omondi following behind with 8.5 % and 5.3% respectively.
The survey credited his high approval to visible development work, youth empowerment initiatives, and social programs rolled out across the constituency.

Mizani noted that roughly 28.8 percent of respondents remain undecided, leaving room for new challengers but still reflecting “broad voter confidence” in the incumbent’s leadership. The firm attributed Jalang’o’s popularity to what it called a “performance-based continuity sentiment” among residents.

Jalang’o’s friendly nudge to Omondi comes amid growing speculation that Embakasi East MP Babu Owino will not defend his seat in 2027. Owino has already declared interest in the Nairobi Gubernatorial race, signaling a major political reshuffle in the capital.

Moreover, Owino has already garnered massive support from Nairobians with Centre for African Progress showing that Babu enjoys 36 % support among potential voters for the governor’s seat, ahead of incumbent governor Johnson Sakaja who is at 14 %.

Political observers view Jalang’o’s suggestion as both tactical and humorous — an attempt to redirect a potential rival away from his turf while simultaneously endorsing a fellow entertainer’s entry into politics.

“Jalang’o knows Omondi commands a huge online following,” says Nairobi-based political analyst Kevin Were. “Encouraging him to run in Embakasi East is both a show of camaraderie and a smart way to prevent an intra-celebrity clash in Lang’ata.”

Eric Omondi, who has gained fame for his humanitarian activism and frequent protests over the high cost of living, has in recent months hinted at joining elective politics but has not officially declared his intentions.

Meanwhile, Jalang’o — once a top radio host and comedian — is positioning himself for a second term in Parliament, backed by his growing base and visibility in community projects.

Albeit the trio have portrayed themselves as vibrant leaders eager to serve and each enjoys notable backing from the electorate, their political relevance will ultimately depend on how they navigate the alignment calculus.