Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has officially announced his intention to vie for the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 general election, setting up a high-stakes contest against incumbent Senator Edwin Sifuna amid competition from Lands PS Nixon Korir and South C MCA Abass Khalif.
Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has officially declared his intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 general election.
The announcement, made during a thanksgiving service at his church in Lang’ata on December 22, 2025, signals a major shift in the comedian-turned-politician’s career as he moves from the constituency level to the county-wide position.
Jalang’o confirmed he will not seek re-election as Lang’ata MP, choosing instead to vie for the Senate seat currently held by ODM’s Edwin Sifuna. “I have served Lang’ata faithfully, but Nairobi needs a strong voice in the Senate,” Jalang’o told the congregation. “I am ready to step up and represent the entire county—every ward, every estate, every voice in this great city.”
The declaration sets up a high-stakes contest in what is expected to be one of the most competitive races in 2027. Incumbent Senator Edwin Sifuna, who has held the seat since 2017 and is widely regarded as one of ODM’s most visible figures in Nairobi, is expected to seek re-election. Lands Principal Secretary Nixon Korir and South C Ward MCA Abass Khalif have also expressed interest in the seat, making it a multi-cornered battle.
Jalang’o, who won the Lang’ata seat in 2022 on an ODM ticket after a high-profile campaign, said his decision to run for Senate was driven by a desire to address city-wide challenges. “Nairobi has unique problems—traffic, housing, youth unemployment, waste management—that require a senator who understands the entire county,” he said. “I have listened to people in Kibra, Embakasi, Ruaraka, Kasarani, Dagoretti and across the wards. They want change, and I am ready to be that change.”
The MP acknowledged the tough competition ahead. “I know Edwin Sifuna is a strong contender. Nixon Korir and Abass Khalif are also capable leaders,” Jalang’o said. “But the people will choose. I am confident they will give me the opportunity to serve Nairobi at the Senate level.”
Jalang’o’s move has sparked immediate reactions. ODM insiders said the party leadership was aware of his intentions and would not block his bid, though some expressed concern over internal competition. “Jalang’o has been loyal to the party,” one senior ODM official said on condition of anonymity. “He deserves the chance to compete. The party will not impose candidates.”
South C MCA Abass Khalif, who has been vocal about his Senate ambitions, welcomed the challenge. “Let the best person win,” Khalif said. “Nairobi needs fresh ideas and energy. I am ready to face Jalang’o, Sifuna or anyone else.”
Lands PS Nixon Korir, who has strong grassroots support in Dagoretti and Lang’ata, said the race would be about vision. “The Senate seat is about representing Nairobi’s interests nationally,” Korir said. “I will offer that leadership. Let the people decide.”
Sifuna, who has not yet formally declared, is widely expected to defend his seat. He has been a visible figure in Nairobi politics, championing youth and urban issues. “The Senate is not a retirement home,” Sifuna said in a recent interview. “It is a battleground for ideas. Whoever comes, we will compete on vision and track record.”
Political observers say the contest will be one of the most watched in 2027. “Nairobi Senate is a prestige seat,” said analyst Dr Martin Ouma. “It is a platform for national visibility. With Jalang’o’s celebrity status, Sifuna’s incumbency, Korir’s executive experience and Khalif’s grassroots base, this will be a fascinating race.”
Jalang’o said his campaign would focus on jobs, affordable housing, traffic decongestion and youth empowerment. “I will run an issue-based campaign,” he said. “No insults, no tribalism—just solutions for Nairobi.”
The MP also addressed his entertainment background. “People say I am a comedian. Yes, I made people laugh, but I also made them think,” Jalang’o said. “I have served Lang’ata diligently, and I will serve Nairobi with the same energy and commitment.”
The race is expected to intensify in the coming months as parties hold nominations and coalitions take shape. With Nairobi’s 4.4 million voters, the Senate seat carries significant political weight.
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