NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto sparked fresh political debate on the 2027 race after publicly referring to Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, as “Nairobi Senator” during a development tour in Dagoretti South.
The President made the remark while inspecting progress at Mutuini Hospital, where he was accompanied by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and other local leaders.
“Senator wetu wa Nairobi…” Ruto said as he invited Jalang’o to address residents.
Though delivered in a light tone, the comment has been widely interpreted in political circles as an early signal of support ahead of the 2027 General Election, in which Jalang’o has declared interest in contesting the Nairobi Senate seat.
Jalang’o’s response
Addressing the crowd, the MP thanked the President and Dagoretti South residents for their reception.
“Dagoretti hoye, vijana tuko hapo? Rais asante sana kwa kufika huku. Hii mtaa ni yako saa hii. Hii ni mara ya pili tmetembea hapa na tukifika ni maendeleo. Asante sana kwa kazi ambayo unafanya Nairobi, tunatembea na wewe mpaka dakika ya mwisho.“
“Hawa ni watu tayari wameamua. Nipatie two term ya rais, Asante sana, mungu awabariki,” he said.
The remarks reinforced his alignment with the President while signalling confidence in his political trajectory.
Confirmed 2027 Senate bid
Jalang’o has previously confirmed his intention to vie for the Nairobi Senate seat in 2027, positioning his ambition as a natural progression from constituency leadership to county-wide representation.
“Mimi nishaamua kupanda juu, watu wangu wa Langata wamenibariki, mimi naweza kuwa Senator wa Nairobi. Ni mbaya!” he said on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
He has framed his bid as independent and self-driven, dismissing suggestions that it is being orchestrated by State House.
“Nawania kiti cha senator…Mimi huamua na naendea. Mimi nakuambia naweza kuwa gavana wa Nairobi, na naweza kuwa seneta wa Nairobi, na naweza kuwa mbunge wa Lang’ata, na naweza kuwa mbunge wa pahali popote hapa Nairobi. Maana nimetembea, nimesikia, nimewaongelesha… why not? Nitaendea!” he earlier said on a local radio station.
Also Read: Jalang’o signals Nairobi Senate bid as allies seek to manage Ruto camp rivalries
The legislator argues that years of grassroots engagement across the capital have shaped his decision, citing consultations with residents and firsthand exposure to governance challenges in the city.
Political implications
Nairobi remains one of Kenya’s most competitive political battlegrounds, with the Senate seat viewed as a strategic platform in national politics. An endorsement, perceived or explicit, from the President could significantly reshape the dynamics of the race.
Analysts note that public appearances and symbolic gestures often serve as early campaign signals in Kenya’s political landscape, particularly as leaders consolidate alliances ahead of election cycles.
While no formal party nominations have begun, Ruto’s introduction of Jalang’o as “Nairobi Senator” has elevated the MP’s profile and intensified speculation about emerging alignments within the ruling coalition.
With just over a year before campaigns officially gather pace, Nairobi’s 2027 Senate contest is already taking shape.
