East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Winnie Odinga has declared her intention to contest the Nairobi senatorial seat in the 2027 General Election, marking a new chapter in her political career.
Winnie, the daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, announced her bid on Thursday, October 15, at Migwena Cultural Grounds during a ceremony commemorating one year since her father's death.
She used the occasion to declare her interest in the Nairobi Senate seat, citing the prospect of other leaders seeking higher political offices.
"Let it not be a rumour that 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 Odinga revealed.
However, she did not disclose the political party or vehicle she intends to use to pursue the seat.
Winnie also cautioned against speculation that her bid was linked to the political ambitions of incumbent Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, whose future plans have drawn attention amid the shifting political landscape.
Her announcement comes despite Nairobi's longstanding electoral support for the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), which could make the party's eventual candidate a key figure in the contest.
The EALA legislator has also called on young Kenyans from different backgrounds to join her political journey and consider running for elective positions.
Her entry into the race places her alongside Langata East MP Felix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang'o, who has also declared his intention to contest the Nairobi senatorial seat on an ODM ticket.
The contest is taking shape amid uncertainty over Sifuna's political ambitions and whether he will seek re-election or pursue a different position in the 2027 elections.
Other figures expected to feature in the race include Nairobi-based lawyer Danstan Omari and musician Domani Munga of the music group Wakadinali.
Potential contenders also include United Opposition youth leader Ken Babu, musician KRG The Don, lawyer Cecil Miller, former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo and nominated Senator Crystal Asige.
Winnie's declaration comes a week after a section of the Luo Council of Elders reportedly recognised her as her late father's heir during a gathering at the Odinga family's Opoda Farm in Bondo, Siaya County.
The development has drawn attention to the Odinga family's succession following Raila's death, although traditional family leadership and political succession remain distinct matters.
Her brother, Raila Odinga Jr, had previously assumed the traditional role of head of the Odinga household during a separate family ceremony.
Raila Jr has also stepped up his political activities in Nairobi, where he is targeting the Kibra parliamentary seat ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He had earlier expressed interest in contesting the Embakasi South parliamentary seat before shifting his focus to Kibra, an area that formed a significant part of his late father's political base.
His mother, Ida Odinga, has backed his ambitions to contest the Kibra seat as he seeks to establish himself in elective politics.
Raila Jr has also consulted senior members of the Odinga family, including Dr Oburu Oginga, as he works to build his political profile within ODM.
The separate political ambitions of Winnie and Raila Jr come as the Odinga family navigates its future role in Kenyan politics following the death of the former Prime Minister, who remained one of the country's most influential political figures for decades.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, Winnie's entry into the Nairobi Senate race adds another prominent name to an increasingly competitive contest, with party nominations and the eventual line-up expected to shape the battle for the seat.
