Winnie Odinga Declares Nairobi Senate Bid, Setting Up New Test for Raila’s Political Legacy

Winnie Odinga has declared her intention to contest the Nairobi senatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, bringing her into a race that could reshape the political landscape in the capital and test how her late father’s political legacy will be carried forward.

The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) member announced her bid on Thursday, 15 October, during the first anniversary commemoration of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County.

Her declaration came days after a section of Luo elders symbolically crowned her as Raila’s political heir, adding fresh attention to questions about succession within the Odinga political family.

“Let it not be a rumour. As Edwin Sifuna searches for higher offices, I see there is some space in Nairobi and that is why I have decided I will vie for Senator of Nairobi County,” Winnie said.

The announcement puts her in direct competition with other politicians seeking the seat, including the incumbent’s declared rivals. It also raises a key question: will she seek the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nomination or contest on a different political platform?

Sifuna’s presidential ambitions open the door

Winnie’s announcement was framed around the political ambitions of current Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has indicated that he intends to pursue the presidency in 2027 rather than seek re-election on an ODM ticket.

Sifuna was unveiled as the presidential candidate of The Equitable Party in early October, following tensions within ODM and efforts to establish a separate political platform.

His possible departure from the Nairobi Senate race creates an opening for aspirants hoping to represent the capital in the next Parliament. However, the final field will depend on party nominations, political alliances and decisions by individual candidates.

Winnie did not announce which party ticket she would use to pursue the seat. That decision could prove important in a county where ODM has enjoyed substantial electoral support, although the party’s internal divisions and changing alliances may complicate the contest.

Her remarks also signalled that she does not intend to rely solely on Sifuna’s political momentum.

Winnie calls on young people to seek elective office

Beyond declaring her own ambition, Winnie urged young Kenyans to take a more active role in politics and consider running for positions at different levels of government.

She said she intended to work alongside young people rather than pursue the campaign alone.

Her appeal comes at a time when youth participation, unemployment, the cost of living and demands for greater accountability are prominent issues in national politics.

For her campaign to gain traction, however, she will need to turn that appeal into a clear political programme. Voters will want to know how she intends to address Nairobi’s concerns, including county spending, access to services and accountability in the use of public funds.

The Senate plays an important oversight role in relation to county governments and represents counties at the national level. A successful campaign would therefore need to show how her experience in regional politics would translate into effective representation of Nairobi residents.

Jalang’o and other aspirants in the race

Winnie enters a contest in which several other politicians have already expressed interest in the seat.

Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, declared his intention to run for Nairobi senator in February 2026. His announcement set up the possibility of a competitive contest should both politicians seek the same party nomination or face each other in the general election.

Other names have also featured in public discussion about the race, but their candidacies should be treated as unconfirmed unless the individuals formally declare their intentions.

The question of party nominations is likely to be central. Even with a high-profile family name and national recognition, Winnie will still need to build support among Nairobi voters and navigate the political process required to secure a place on the ballot.

A political succession question comes into sharper focus

On 3 October, a section of the Luo Council of Elders symbolically crowned Winnie as the political heir of her late father at Opoda Farm in Bondo.

During the ceremony, Rose Otumba, the council’s women’s representative in Siaya, encouraged Winnie to step into a larger political role.

The ceremony was a traditional endorsement, not a formal transfer of political office or authority over ODM. Winnie’s latest announcement gives that symbolic gesture a more concrete electoral dimension.

Her brother, Raila Odinga Junior, has also been linked to political ambitions in Nairobi, particularly the Kibra parliamentary seat. His plans are separate from Winnie’s Senate bid, and the two positions would represent different constituencies and responsibilities.

The distinction matters because political legacy is not inherited automatically through family ties. It must be built through public engagement, party support and the confidence of voters.

What happens next?

The 2027 election will be held on 10 August, according to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s published election operations plan. Political parties will need to settle nominations and field their candidates ahead of the poll.

For Winnie, the immediate task will be to clarify her political vehicle, define her agenda for Nairobi and establish a campaign that appeals beyond her father’s supporters.

Her announcement has made her intentions clear. Whether she can turn that declaration into a successful bid will depend on the strength of her organisation, the choices made by rival candidates and, ultimately, the voters of Nairobi.

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.