Jalang’o declares Nairobi Senate bid, questions Sifuna’s oversight record

Speaking during an interview with Radio 47, the first-time MP said he believes he has the capacity to vie for any elective position, including the gubernatorial seat, but has opted to pursue the Senate because of its oversight mandate. 

He argued that his experience representing Lang’ata equips him to provide effective oversight of county resources across Nairobi.

“The work of an MP is oversight and management of public resources. I told myself that if we have delivered good results in Lang’ata, we can transform Nairobi as a whole by properly supervising county funds,” Jalang’o said.

The legislator said he is conversant with issues affecting Nairobi residents, listing road infrastructure, sanitation, water supply, security and healthcare as priority concerns that require sustained attention.

Jalang’o was critical of incumbent Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, acknowledging his strengths in political mobilisation but faulting him on oversight.

He claimed the senator has not been sufficiently vocal on matters affecting Nairobi residents and questioned when he last publicly addressed key challenges facing the capital.

“I respect our Secretary General Sifuna. In politics, he has performed well, but on oversight, he has let us down,” Jalang’o said, adding that party loyalty should not override advocacy for residents’ interests.

Addressing questions over his decision to seek a higher office after serving only one term as MP, Jalang’o dismissed suggestions that he should wait longer, noting there is no legal requirement prescribing how long an individual must serve in a particular position before vying for another. 

He cited previous political trajectories, including that of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, to support his position.

Jalang’o confirmed he intends to seek the seat on an Orange Democratic Movement ticket and expressed confidence that he would secure the party’s nomination, whether ODM contests independently or as part of a coalition. 

He said party nominations would be the appropriate avenue to determine the flag bearer.

He also dismissed claims that his bid is backed by President William Ruto or is part of any external political project in Nairobi, saying the decision to run was entirely his own. 

While reaffirming his loyalty to ODM, Jalang’o said he aligns with what he described as the party’s legitimate leadership and would focus his campaign on direct voter engagement rather than political patronage.