Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, commonly known as Jalang’o, has dismissed speculation that his political prospects are in freefall, telling critics that neither a return to broadcasting nor a retreat to his rural home would damage him. Jalang’o during his radio days back in the day. The first-term legislator, who won his seat on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket in the 2022 General Election, has publicly stated his intention to contest the Nairobi senatorial seat currently held by Edwin Sifuna, who is eyeing the presidency. “I have heard many people telling me that I will be returning to radio, or I will go home. I don’t think any of those can affect me in any way,” Jalang’o said. The scepticism surrounding Jalang’o’s campaign intensified after East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga declared her own interest in the seat. . Speaking on October 15 at a memorial in Bondo for her late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, she argued that Sifuna’s anticipated departure for a higher office had created an opening she felt compelled to fill. Her announcement fuelled commentary from Jalang’o’s detractors, many of whom argued that ODM would naturally rally behind the daughter of the party’s founding leader, effectively marginalising the incumbent MP. Jalang’o rejected that narrative, framing his outlook around a personal philosophy of measured expectation. “I live with one philosophy, that happy are those who expect nothing for they will always appreciate if anything comes their way. The biggest wish of everyone is to make progress, that you today, you are not where you were yesterday. My being in politics might have been a progress in one way, just like the many things I achieved when I was working on radio,” he said. ODM Nominations at the Centre of the Contest Beyond the contest between the two declared candidates, attention has turned to how ODM will manage its internal selection process. ODM deputy leader and Kisii Governor Simba Arati, who also addressed the Bondo gathering, offered assurances that the party would conduct fair nominations. Jalang’o has outlined a longer-term political trajectory as well. After the Senate, he has indicated an intention to pursue the Nairobi governorship, with 2032 as a possible target. Whether his path to the Senate survives Winnie Odinga’s challenge will depend significantly on how ODM structures its candidate selection ahead of the 2027 General Election.
