Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Oduor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has declared his intention to run for the Nairobi senatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, saying his first-term record gives him confidence to seek a citywide mandate.
Speaking during an interview with Radio 47, the first-time MP said he has the capacity to vie for any elective position, including governor, but chose the Senate because of its critical oversight role.
Jalang’o said his experience representing Lang’ata has prepared him to oversee the use of county resources across Nairobi and push for accountability at City Hall.
“The work of an MP is oversight and management of public resources. I told myself that if we have delivered good results in Lang’ata, we can transform Nairobi as a whole by properly supervising county funds,” Jalang’o said.
The legislator noted that he understands the everyday challenges facing Nairobi residents, pointing to poor road infrastructure, sanitation, water shortages, insecurity and healthcare gaps as issues that require consistent and focused leadership.
Jalang’o took aim at incumbent Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, acknowledging his strength in political mobilization but questioning his performance in oversight.
“I respect our Secretary General Sifuna. In politics, he has performed well, but on oversight, he has let us down,” Jalang’o said, arguing that party loyalty should never come before defending the interests of city residents.
He also questioned how often the senator has publicly spoken out on major problems affecting Nairobi, suggesting the capital needs a more vocal and hands-on watchdog in the Senate.
Responding to criticism that he is seeking a higher office after serving only one term in Parliament, Jalang’o dismissed calls for him to wait longer, saying the law does not set a minimum period before an elected leader can vie for another seat.
He cited past political examples, including the rise of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, to back his argument.
Jalang’o confirmed that he will seek the Nairobi Senate seat on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket and expressed confidence in clinching the party’s nomination, whether ODM runs alone or as part of a coalition.
He said party primaries would offer a fair platform to determine the flag bearer.
The Lang’ata MP also rejected claims that his bid enjoys backing from President William Ruto or forms part of any external political scheme in Nairobi, maintaining that the decision to run was entirely personal.
While reaffirming his loyalty to ODM, Jalang’o said he aligns himself with what he described as the party’s legitimate leadership and plans to centre his campaign on direct engagement with voters rather than political patronage.
