Jalang’o dismisses Sifuna and Babu Owino’s influence in Nairobi politics
By Mustafa Juma, June 20, 2026Lang’ata Member of Parliament (MP) Phelix Odiwuor, alias Jalang’o, has downplayed the political influence of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, saying their growing political movements have not significantly shifted the city’s political dynamics.
Speaking during an interview with political analyst Herman Manyora on his YouTube channel on Friday night, June 19, 2026, Jalang’o said he still perceives Nairobi politics as largely dominated by Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) structures, despite emerging factions and realignments within the opposition space.
Jalang’o said he has not witnessed tangible political momentum in Nairobi linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement, which has been associated with leaders such as Sifuna and Babu Owino.
“I don’t feel Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi wave in Nairobi,” he said.
“I have not seen them hold a rally in Nairobi. In Nairobi, I just feel ODM.”
He added that while both Sifuna and Babu Owino are elected leaders in Nairobi, their political engagements appear to be concentrated outside the city.
“Both Sifuna and Babu Owino are Nairobi-elected leaders, and their strongholds would be Nairobi but their first options and all their meetings have been out of the city,” he said.
Confident stand ahead of 2027
The Lang’ata MP further dismissed suggestions that the two leaders could pose a political threat to his ambitions in the capital, insisting that he would remain firmly rooted in Nairobi politics.
“Babu and Sifuna cannot make me run out of this city,” he said.
“We will be here; we will meet them.”
At the same time, Jalang’o dismissed claims that he is being used to fight Sifuna.
Nairobi political realignments taking shape
His comments come amid growing political activity within Nairobi’s opposition landscape, where shifting alliances and emerging movements are beginning to reshape the city’s political conversation.
Sifuna and Babu Owino have recently been linked to efforts aimed at consolidating support within opposition-aligned networks, with increased political engagements and public messaging focused on unity and mobilisation.
However, Jalang’o’s assessment suggests scepticism from within ODM ranks regarding the reach and impact of these initiatives within Nairobi itself.
ODM dominance in Nairobi
The MP maintained that ODM continues to hold significant influence in the capital, despite internal divisions and emerging factions.
He argued that political perception in Nairobi still largely favours established party structures over newer political formations.
“In Nairobi, I just feel ODM,” Jalang’o said.
As political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, Nairobi is emerging as a key battleground for competing factions within both the opposition and government-aligned camps.
Jalang’o’s remarks highlight early attempts by politicians to define influence, legitimacy, and visibility in a city that is expected to play a decisive role in shaping national outcomes.
While he dismissed rival movements, the growing frequency of political engagements across Nairobi suggests an increasingly contested and fluid political environment in the lead-up to the next polls.