Comedian and media personality Oga Obinna has dismissed claims that there was any political arrangement between Eric Omondi and Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, concerning the 2027 parliamentary race.
Speaking in reaction to Jalang’o’s recent statement urging Eric Omondi to consider contesting for the Embakasi East seat instead of Lang’ata, in a video shared by the Mic Cheque Podcast on Monday, November 10, 2025, Obinna clarified that Eric Omondi himself had never expressed interest in vying for the Lang’ata constituency seat.
He stated that the conversation around Eric’s alleged interest was purely a public perception driven by supporters, not an official declaration from the comedian.
“I also did not know that Eric Omondi was interested in the Lang’ata seat until recently. But I think it is the citizens, the people, who are telling Eric Omondi to go and vie in Lang’ata. Eric himself has never said it,” Obinna said.
Obinna noted that the idea of Eric Omondi joining the political race in Lang’ata had been fuelled by citizens who admired his activism and influence, but he maintained that Eric had not personally announced any intention to contest.
He added that Eric and Jalang’o have shared a long-standing friendship and professional bond, and it was therefore unlikely that Eric would deliberately challenge his friend for the same seat.
Instead, he suggested that if Eric were to run for office, he would choose a different constituency where the race would be less competitive.
“As for Octopizzo saying he wants to run for Kibra, he can go ahead and try, he might win. But for Lang’ata, it is the people who have insisted, not Eric who has said it.
And also remember that Eric and Jalang’o are friends who have been in the industry together for a long time. So I do not think Eric would do that. If Jalang’o is running, Eric would not. He would probably run somewhere else that is easier to win,” Obinna said.
Joint deal
Obinna further rejected suggestions that the move was part of a joint political strategy between the two personalities.
He claimed that the announcement appeared to be Jalang’o’s own political manoeuvre, possibly aimed at tilting public perception and consolidating his support base ahead of the 2027 polls.
“No, it is not a strategy between Eric and Jalang’o. It is Jalang’o’s own strategy. Eric was just minding his business and he saw that announcement and got surprised, just like the rest of us,” Obinna said.
He explained that Jalang’o, being a seasoned player in politics, understands the art of controlling narratives and could be using such statements to his advantage.
“You know Jalang’o has been in politics for a while, and he understands the game. He is also on the government’s side, so he has power. When you look at who else is running in Lang’ata, you can see how things are shaping up,” he added.
ODM affairs
The ex-radio host also weighed in on the state of political parties, observing that the influence of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has significantly diminished since the death of its leader, Raila Odinga.
He noted that Raila was the wow factor that once energised ODM, but the party now lacks the same magnetism, despite efforts by current leaders such as Edwin Sifuna and Oburu Odinga.
“Recently, I also heard ODM talking about such matters, saying they could even push some people out. But I do not think someone needs to be in ODM to win right now. ODM is not as strong anymore. Raila was the wow factor, and when he died, there was not much left. Although we have leaders like Edwin Sifuna and Oburu Odinga who are doing well, they are not Raila. For example, if I leave Obinna TV studios now, the wow factor is me,” Obinna said.
