Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai has claimed that Winnie Odinga’s decision to contest the Nairobi senatorial seat could be part of Edwin Sifuna’s political strategy to counter Embakasi East MP Babu Owino ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Alai made the claim on Thursday, October 15, 2026, following Winnie’s announcement during the first anniversary commemorations of her father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, at Migwena Cultural Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County.
Winnie declared that she intended to contest the Nairobi Senate seat, saying she saw an opportunity in the capital as Sifuna pursued higher political office.
Reacting to the announcement in a statement on his official X account, Alai argued that Winnie’s entry into the race could complicate Babu’s political ambitions, while having little impact on Lang’ata MP Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o.
“Winnie Odinga’s run for Senate under Linda Mwananchi is Sifuna’s way of countering Babu Owino. No effect on Jalang’o, but now it even kills Babu’s quest,” Alai wrote.
His remarks represent his interpretation of the political implications of Winnie’s announcement. Neither Sifuna’s alleged strategy nor the suggestion that her candidacy would undermine Babu’s ambitions was established in the statement.
Winnie declares Nairobi Senate ambitions
Winnie made her announcement while addressing mourners during the anniversary event, where she also encouraged young Kenyans to pursue elective positions.
“Let it not be a rumour. As Edwin Sifuna searches for higher offices, I see kuna space, kuna nafasi hapo Nairobi. And that’s why I have decided that I will stand for the Senate of Nairobi County,” she said.
She added that she intended to work alongside young people and encouraged them to seek elective positions at different levels of government.
However, Winnie did not explicitly confirm whether she would contest on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) ticket or through the Linda Mwananchi political platform associated with Sifuna.
The question of her political vehicle could become significant if several aspirants seek the same party nomination ahead of the 2027 polls.
How Sifuna and Babu feature in the contest
Sifuna currently represents Nairobi in the Senate, having won the seat on an ODM ticket in the 2022 General Election.
He has also emerged as a prominent figure in the Linda Mwananchi movement, which is seeking to build its political profile ahead of the next elections.
Babu, meanwhile, has publicly expressed support for Sifuna’s presidential ambitions. During the unveiling of Sifuna’s political vehicle on October 4, 2026, the Embakasi East MP reiterated his backing for the senator’s bid for higher office.
The two politicians have also been associated with discussions about organising through separate political parties while cooperating on broader national political objectives.
Against this background, Alai’s comments suggest that Winnie’s possible candidacy could reshape relationships among politicians whose interests overlap in Nairobi.
However, Winnie’s announcement alone does not establish that her candidacy is intended to counter Babu or that it would prevent him from pursuing his own political ambitions.
Jalang’o also in the Nairobi Senate picture
Jalang’o is another politician who has expressed interest in contesting the Nairobi Senate seat, with his potential candidacy adding another dimension to the developing race.
The contest could become more complicated if Winnie, Jalang’o and other aspirants seek the same party ticket.
On Thursday, Kisii Governor and ODM Deputy Party Leader Simba Arati promised that the party would conduct free and fair nominations, specifically addressing concerns surrounding the Nairobi Senate race.
The party’s nomination process is therefore likely to attract attention as aspirants clarify their political affiliations and prepare for the 2027 elections.
Nairobi Senate race draws fresh political attention
Winnie’s declaration has introduced another prominent name into an increasingly significant Nairobi political contest.
With Sifuna associated with Linda Mwananchi, Babu backing his national ambitions and Jalang’o also linked to the Senate race, questions remain over how the aspirants will position themselves within the wider opposition landscape.
For now, Alai’s claim has added a new interpretation to Winnie’s announcement, but the candidates’ eventual party affiliations, nomination decisions and campaign strategies will determine how the contest develops.
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