Winnie Odinga, daughter of the late Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has officially declared her bid for the the Nairobi Senate seat, making the announcement during the first anniversary commemoration of the late former Prime Minister.
Speaking before political leaders and supporters gathered to honour Raila’s legacy on October 15, Winnie said she had decided to seek elective office in Nairobi.
Addressing the gathering, Winnie linked her decision to growing speculation surrounding the future political plans of current Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. She stated that as Sifuna explored the possibility of seeking a higher elective position, she had identified an opportunity to step into the role and continue serving Nairobi residents through the Senate.
“As I come to the end, the question is where I want to go. I have someone here; his name is Edwin Sifuna. Let it not be a rumour, that, as Edwin Sifuna searches for a higher seat I have seen a gap, I have decided to run for the Senate of the county,” Winnie said during the event.
Winnie Odinga’s Current Roles
As of October 2026, Winnie Odinga serves as a Member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), representing Kenya in the East African Community’s regional parliament. She was elected in December 2022 for a five-year term running until December 2027.
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In March 2026, Nairobi ODM delegates endorsed her as their number-one party delegate and backed her for the position of ODM Deputy Party Leader.
However, she has not been confirmed as holding the deputy party leader position, which remains distinct from her regional parliamentary role.
On October 3, 2026, a section of the Luo Council of Elders symbolically recognised Winnie as the political heir to her late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
The recognition was a traditional and political endorsement rather than a formal government appointment.
Other Aspirants Seeking Nairobi Senate Seat
Winnie Odinga joins a field of politicians and public figures seeking to replace Edwin Sifuna as Nairobi senator in the 2027 General Election.
Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, declared his bid in February 2026. Elected to Parliament on an ODM ticket in 2022, he said his experience overseeing public resources in Lang’ata had prepared him for a countywide role.
He has indicated that he intends to contest the Senate seat through ODM or a coalition that includes the party.
Reuben Ndolo, a former Makadara MP, expressed interest in the seat in October 2026 after residents urged him to return to elective politics. Ndolo previously represented Makadara in Parliament and later served in boxing administration as president of the Kenya Professional Boxing Commission.
Musician and businessman William Karuga Kimani, popularly known as KRG The Don, is also seeking the seat.
In September 2026, he joined former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko’s National Economic Development Party (NEDP), which confirmed that he would contest the Senate seat on its ticket.
KRG has cited service delivery and oversight of Nairobi County as priorities.
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Cecil Miller, an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, is pursuing the seat through the Roots Party of Kenya.
His campaign identifies youth skills development, workers’ rights, access to justice, healthcare and improving the business environment as key priorities.
Ken Babu, a youth political leader associated with the United Opposition, has also positioned himself for the contest.
His campaign has focused on youth empowerment, accountability and scrutiny of Nairobi County spending, including procurement and development projects.
Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has been mentioned in discussions about possible contenders, but she has not publicly confirmed a bid for the elected Nairobi Senate seat.
She currently represents persons with disabilities and other special-interest groups in the Senate.
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