WINNIE THROWS HAT INTO SIFUNA’S SEAT RACE

East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has declared her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 General Election, signalling a move into frontline elective politics as the race to succeed incumbent Senator Edwin Sifuna begins to take shape.

Winnie made the announcement on Thursday, October 15, during the first anniversary commemoration of her late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground in Bondo, Siaya County.

Addressing mourners, she pointed to Sifuna’s ambitions for higher political office, saying his potential departure from the Senate race had created an opening for her in the capital.

“I have seen that there is a visitor here from Nairobi; his name is Sifuna,” she said.

“Let it not be a rumour. As Edwin Sifuna searches for higher offices, I see kuna space, kuna nafasi hapo Nairobi. And that’s why I have decided that I will stand for the Senate of Nairobi County,” she added.

Her declaration brings her into a potentially competitive contest for the Nairobi seat, with several other political figures also reported to be considering bids ahead of the 2027 polls.

The EALA legislator said her political ambition would go beyond securing a Senate seat, urging young people to actively seek elective positions across the country.

“Lakini sitaenda peke yangu (I will not go alone). I’m going with young people,” she said, drawing cheers from the gathering.

She challenged young people to register as voters and present themselves for leadership positions, including those of governor, senator, Member of Parliament and Member of County Assembly (MCA).

“I want young people across this country to register. You stand for governor. I want you to stand for Senate. You stand for MCA. Stand for MP. Because sitaenda peke yangu,” she said.

Winnie added that Kenya’s development required collective participation, calling on the younger generation to take a more active role in shaping the country’s future.

“We have to move and continue growing this nation as a people,” she said.

Her remarks place youth participation at the centre of her emerging political agenda as she considers a transition from regional representation at the East African Legislative Assembly to elective politics at home.

Beyond her Senate declaration, Winnie used the commemoration to reflect on issues she said were central to her father’s vision for Kenya, particularly access to healthcare and timely payments for sugarcane farmers.

She called for a healthcare system in which families could obtain treatment and medicine without repeatedly organising public fundraisers to settle hospital bills.

“Kuna watu wengine Turkana, mama akimpeleka mtoto hospitalini, apate huduma, apate dawa, mtoto atibiwe, asilazimike kufanya harambee kila mara ili kuokoa maisha. Hiyo ndiyo ilikuwa ndoto ya Baba,” she said.

She also highlighted the difficulties faced by sugarcane farmers in Western Kenya, insisting that they should receive their payments on time to support their families and sustain their farming activities.

The message connected her appeal for greater youth involvement in politics with broader social and economic concerns she associated with Raila’s legacy.

The announcement came as family members, political allies and supporters gathered in Bondo to honour the former Prime Minister, whose influence continues to shape discussions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the wider opposition ahead of the next General Election.

Winnie’s entry into the Nairobi Senate race could set up an internal contest within ODM, particularly if Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, pursues the party’s nomination.

Jalang’o has expressed interest in the seat and is among the political figures positioning themselves for the 2027 election. His experience in the National Assembly could feature prominently in his campaign, particularly on questions of county oversight and accountability.

Winnie, meanwhile, could draw support from ODM loyalists and young voters as she seeks to establish her own electoral base in the capital.

Other names mentioned in connection with the race include musician KRG The Don, former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo and lawyer Danstan Omari, although their eventual participation and party affiliations will determine the shape of the contest.

The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and other political formations are also expected to feature in the broader competition for Nairobi’s Senate seat.

With the election still ahead, the extent of the contest will depend on the candidates who formally enter the race and the outcome of party nominations.

Winnie has represented Kenya at the East African Legislative Assembly since 2022, when she was nominated by ODM and elected by Parliament to serve in the regional legislature.

Her work at EALA has included advocacy around digital transformation, youth economic inclusion and the use of technology to support development across the East African Community.

Before entering formal legislative politics, she worked closely with her father on political strategy and communications, including during election campaigns.

Her decision to seek the Nairobi Senate seat would mark a shift from regional representation to a direct electoral contest in Kenya, placing her at the centre of the political realignments expected before the 2027 General Election.

For now, her declaration has added a new dimension to the Nairobi race, with the prospect of an ODM nomination contest between Winnie and Jalang’o likely to attract particular attention as the party navigates its political future following Raila’s death.