Jalang’o Rules Out Radio Comeback as He Sets Sights on Nairobi Senate Seat

Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has dismissed speculation that he will return to radio if he loses the Nairobi Senate race in 2027, insisting that his focus remains on politics.

The former radio presenter was responding to online jokes suggesting he should keep the number of his former colleague, Alex Mwakideu, in case he needs help finding his way back into broadcasting.

Jalang’o laughed off the suggestion and questioned why some people appeared eager to see his political ambitions fail.

“What did I do wrong to those who want me to fail and go back to radio?” he asked.

He confirmed that he still had Mwakideu’s contact and said he did not see himself returning to radio, despite acknowledging that it can be a financially rewarding career for established presenters.

His comments come as the contest for Nairobi senator gathers momentum, with East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga also declaring her interest in the seat. The winner will succeed the incumbent only after the 2027 election, with party nominations likely to be an important hurdle for aspirants seeking the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.

Jalang’o says his political journey is guided by faith

Jalang’o said he viewed his rise from entertainment to elective politics as part of a journey guided by God.

“I am where I am because of God. If the Almighty wants me to go back to radio, so be it,” he said.

While the remark leaves room for him to accept whatever the future brings, he maintained that returning to broadcasting was not his current plan.

“Radio is one of the most paying jobs. Once you build your talent, radio will pay you very well. But I do not see myself going back to radio,” he added.

The response reflects the way his previous career continues to shape public discussion of his political prospects. For some critics, radio is an obvious alternative because it helped make him a household name. Jalang’o, however, is presenting his Senate bid as a serious political ambition rather than a temporary detour from media.

Winnie Odinga’s entry raises the stakes

The Nairobi Senate contest became more closely watched after Winnie Odinga announced on 15 October that she intended to contest the seat in the 2027 General Election.

She made the announcement during the first anniversary commemoration of her father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in Bondo, Siaya County. She said she wanted to take up the opportunity as incumbent senator Edwin Sifuna pursued higher political ambitions.

Jalang’o has already signalled that he is prepared to compete against Winnie and other aspirants. But a crowded field means his immediate challenge is not only to convince voters that he is the right candidate; he must also secure the party ticket if he is to run on an ODM platform.

The nomination contest could test how the party balances competing ambitions, including those of established political figures and newer entrants seeking to build their profiles.

Neither Jalang’o’s confidence nor Winnie’s entry determines the eventual outcome. Voters will make the final decision in 2027, after the candidates and their campaigns have been tested.

From radio and comedy to Parliament

Before entering politics, Jalang’o built a following through comedy, acting and radio. His entertainment career included an appearance on the popular television series Papa Shirandula and work at several radio stations.

He entered elective politics in 2022, when he won the Lang’ata parliamentary seat on an ODM ticket. He received 38,948 votes, beating the then-incumbent Nixon Korir, who secured 36,836.

The win showed that his public profile could translate into electoral support, although a Senate campaign across Nairobi presents a different challenge from contesting one constituency.

A senator represents the entire county and has constitutional responsibilities that include oversight of county governments and representation of county interests in Parliament. Jalang’o will therefore need to persuade voters that his experience as a Lang’ata MP has prepared him for the broader role.

Radio remains an option, but not his stated plan

Jalang’o’s comments do not suggest that he considers a return to radio shameful. On the contrary, he defended broadcasting as a career that can reward presenters who develop their skills and build an audience.

His point was that he does not currently see himself going back.

The more immediate question is whether he can turn his political confidence into a successful Senate campaign. He faces competition within ODM as well as the broader task of winning support across Nairobi’s diverse constituencies.

For now, Jalang’o is brushing aside the jokes and keeping his attention on the election ahead. Whether his next chapter is in the Senate will be decided through party nominations and, ultimately, by voters.

About the Author

Maureen Onyango is a journalist passionate about storytelling, life coaching and spiritual lessons. She studied at the Kenya Institute of Management and enjoys telling stories that inform, inspire and empower communities.