President William Ruto introduced Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, as Nairobi Senator during his visit to Dagoretti South.
The President was in the area to inspect Mutuini Hospital and was accompanied by a few leaders, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
“Senator wetu wa Nairobi…” Ruto said as he welcomed Jalang’o to address the crowd.
The move was seen as a public endorsement ahead of the 2027 General Election, where Jalang’o plans to vie for the Nairobi Senate seat.
Jalang’o expressed gratitude to both the President and the residents of Dagoretti South.
“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, praising the ongoing development efforts in the area.
Jalang’o’s political ambitions
Earlier, Jalang’o confirmed his intention to run for Nairobi Senator in 2027.
“Mimi nishaamua kupanda juu, watu wangu wa Langata wamenibariki, mimi naweza kuwa Senator wa Nairobi. Ni mbaya!” he said on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, highlighting the support he has received from his constituents.
He explained that his decision comes after years of engaging with residents across Nairobi. Jalang’o said he has observed the political landscape and feels prepared to take on a larger leadership role.
“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.
The MP made it clear that his bid for the Senate is not influenced by external forces, including President William Ruto, but is solely his own decision.
He said he has spent considerable time listening to residents, understanding their challenges, and believes he can represent their interests effectively at the Senate level.
With Ruto’s public introduction and endorsement, some might say that Jalang’o’s political profile has been elevated, setting the stage for a competitive race for the Nairobi Senate seat in 2027.
