Nairobi, October 15- East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has announced her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 General Election, calling on young people to join her in seeking elective positions across the country.
Winnie made the declaration on Thursday, October 15, during the first anniversary memorial of her late father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, held at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground in Bondo, Siaya County.
She cited an opportunity in Nairobi as Senator Edwin Sifuna pursues higher political ambitions, signalling her readiness to enter the race for the seat currently held by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) secretary general.
“Let it not be a rumour. I have decided that I will stand for the Senate of Nairobi County,” Winnie said, adding that she intended to work alongside young people rather than pursue the ambition alone.
She encouraged the youth to register and seek leadership positions at different levels of government, including governor, senator, Member of Parliament and Member of County Assembly (MCA).
Winnie also addressed questions about her absence from the public limelight since her father’s death in India on October 15, 2025.
She said losing Raila had deeply affected her emotionally, explaining that although she initially expected to grieve for a month before returning to her usual activities, the process had taken longer than anticipated.
The EALA legislator urged supporters to honour her father’s legacy through meaningful action rather than using his name to negotiate political positions.
She challenged leaders and supporters to reflect on whether their activities over the past year had improved the lives of ordinary Kenyans, noting that Raila had championed a society where people could earn a decent living regardless of their background.
Winnie’s declaration places her among the potential contenders for the Nairobi Senate seat ahead of the 2027 General Election, setting the stage for a contest that could reshape the political landscape in the capital.
