BONDO, Siaya County—East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has declared her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 General Election, potentially setting up a political showdown with incumbent Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Winnie made the announcement on Thursday during commemorations marking the first anniversary of her father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County.
Addressing the gathering, she singled out Sifuna, who was among the leaders attending the event, before openly declaring her interest in the Nairobi seat.
“I have seen that there is a visitor here from Nairobi; his name is Sifuna,” she said.
“Let it not be a rumour that as Edwin Sifuna searches for higher offices, I see there is a space. That is why I will stand for the senator of Nairobi,” she added.
Her remarks appeared to connect her political ambition to Sifuna’s reported pursuit of higher office, raising the prospect of a contest between the two leaders if he eventually opts to defend the Senate seat or if their political paths otherwise converge.
Winnie also signalled that young people would be central to her political campaign, telling supporters she intended to take them along on her political journey.
“I will not go alone, I am going with young people,” she said, before asking the crowd, “Are you ready to walk with me?”
The declaration places the Nairobi Senate race among the contests to watch ahead of the 2027 General Election, as prospective candidates begin signalling their ambitions and political parties prepare for nominations.
Sifuna, who serves as Nairobi senator and ODM secretary-general, has also been associated with plans to pursue the presidency in 2027. Whether he ultimately seeks the presidency or another elective position, and how ODM handles its nominations, could determine whether he and Winnie compete for the same seat.
Winnie currently represents Kenya in the East African Legislative Assembly, the regional legislative body of the East African Community. A successful bid for the Nairobi Senate seat would bring her into Kenya’s national elective politics.
Her announcement also comes at a significant moment for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which faces questions over its leadership, political alliances and electoral strategy following Raila’s death.
Thursday’s anniversary gathering brought together members of the Odinga family, political leaders and supporters to honour the former prime minister’s legacy. Winnie’s declaration, however, also brought the focus to the political contests that could shape the period leading to the 2027 elections.
