Faith Odhiambo to Vie for Nairobi Woman Representative Seat as James Orengo Throws Weight Behind Her Bid
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo is set to contest for the Nairobi Woman Representative seat in the next General Election, after receiving a major endorsement from Siaya Governor James Orengo.
The veteran politician and prominent figure within the Linda Mwananchi movement confirmed Odhiambo’s political ambitions on Saturday, June 20, following a meeting with the lawyer at his office.
The announcement comes amid growing political realignments within the opposition and ends weeks of speculation surrounding Odhiambo’s next move after her recent association with the Linda Mwananchi faction led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Orengo praised Odhiambo’s record as an advocate for justice, constitutionalism and human rights, describing her as one of the country’s most courageous public voices.
“Faith Odhiambo is a proven defender of justice whose fearless stand for Gen Z and peaceful protestors showed the true meaning of leadership,” Orengo said.
The governor further welcomed her decision to formally align herself with the Linda Mwananchi movement, arguing that her entry strengthens the campaign’s commitment to accountability, good governance and citizen-centred leadership.
According to Orengo, Nairobi residents deserve leaders who are willing to speak truth to power and champion the interests of ordinary citizens without fear or compromise.
“Her bid for Nairobi Woman Representative comes at the perfect time. Nairobians deserve an incorruptible voice, and Faith is exactly that,” he added.
Political Landscape Set for Shake-Up
Odhiambo’s expected entry into the race is likely to intensify competition for one of Nairobi’s most closely watched elective positions ahead of the next polls.
The Nairobi Woman Representative seat has already attracted several aspirants seeking to succeed or challenge the current political establishment in the capital.
Among those who have publicly expressed interest is nominated Senator Tabitha Mutinda, who currently serves as Vice Chairperson of the Senate Finance and Budget Committee.
Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga, now associated with the DCP party, is also seeking another shot at the position after an unsuccessful attempt during the 2022 General Election.
Political observers believe Odhiambo’s national profile, built through years of legal advocacy and public interest litigation, could significantly alter the dynamics of the race.
Rise to National Prominence
Odhiambo gained national recognition during her tenure as President of the Law Society of Kenya, where she frequently challenged government policies and institutions on issues touching on constitutional governance, public debt management, human rights and the rule of law.
She became particularly vocal during the Gen Z-led protests that swept across the country in 2024, consistently defending the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and demanding accountability from state agencies.
Her profile rose even further when she rejected an appointment by President William Ruto to serve on the Public Debt Audit Task Force.
At the time, Odhiambo argued that the proposed task force duplicated responsibilities already assigned to constitutionally established institutions, maintaining that accountability mechanisms should operate within existing legal frameworks.
With Orengo and key Linda Mwananchi leaders now openly backing her candidature, attention is expected to shift to how Odhiambo positions herself on Nairobi’s pressing issues, including unemployment, housing, public services and governance.
Her anticipated bid sets the stage for what could become one of the most competitive political contests in the capital ahead of the next General Election.
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