East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga has declared her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat in the 2027 General Election, setting up a potential contest for a position currently held by Edwin Sifuna.
Winnie made the announcement on Thursday, October 15, 2026, during a memorial event marking the first anniversary of her father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, at Migwena Cultural and Sports Ground in Bondo, Siaya County.
The declaration comes as Sifuna positions himself for the 2027 presidential election through the Linda Mwananchi movement, adding a new dimension to the political contest in Nairobi.
Winnie said she would not pursue her political ambitions alone, signalling plans to involve young people in her bid.
“Lakini siendi pekee yangu, I am going with young people,” she said.
Her announcement places her among the politicians seeking elective positions ahead of the August 2027 General Election.
Winnie currently represents Kenya in the East African Legislative Assembly, an Arusha-based regional legislature. A move to the Senate would mark her entry into Kenya’s national elective politics.
The Nairobi Senate seat is currently held by Sifuna, who won the position in 2022 on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket.
However, Sifuna has since emerged as a central figure in the Linda Mwananchi movement, which endorsed him as its presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.
The movement has been building its political platform as Sifuna and his allies seek to challenge President William Ruto in the next General Election.
Winnie’s declaration also comes amid growing questions about the future of ODM following Raila’s death on October 15, 2025.
Raila was a central figure in Kenyan opposition politics for decades, building a political base that extended beyond his Nyanza stronghold to Nairobi and other parts of the country.
In the days leading up to Thursday’s announcement, political discussions around Winnie’s future intensified, with some supporters urging her to take a more active role in elective politics.
The Nairobi Senate race could therefore become an important test of the political alliances and support networks emerging ahead of the 2027 elections.
Winnie will, however, have to navigate the nomination process and competition from other aspirants seeking the seat.
Her declaration sets the stage for a closely watched campaign as political leaders position themselves for the next election.