Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o at a past event/HANDOUT

Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has dismissed speculation that he could return to radio if his bid for the Nairobi Senate seat fails in the 2027 General Election.

Jalang’o said he was unlikely to return to broadcasting, insisting that his political journey was guided by God and expressing confidence in his Senate ambitions.

Speaking as he drove to Jacaranda Grounds to inspect the venue ahead of an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rally scheduled for the weekend, the MP questioned why some people appeared eager to see him fail and return to the media industry.

“What did I do wrong to those who want me to fail and go back to radio?” he posed.

Jalang’o was told that some people were advising him to retain the phone number of veteran radio presenter Alex Mwakideu, who could help him secure another job in the media should his political ambitions collapse.

“Number one, I have never lost Alex’s number,” he said, laughing off the suggestion that he would need Mwakideu’s assistance to return to broadcasting.

“And those people saying I will return to radio – what did I do wrong? I have never wronged anyone.”

The MP, who built his public profile through comedy, acting and radio presenting before joining elective politics, said his success so far was a result of divine intervention and that he would accept whatever direction God chose for his life.

“I am where I am because of God. If the Almighty wants me to go back to radio, so be it,” he said.

While acknowledging that broadcasting remained a lucrative career for talented presenters, Jalang’o maintained that he did not see himself returning to the profession.

“Radio is one of the most paying jobs. Once you build your talent, radio will pay you very well. But I do not see myself going back to radio,” he said.

“God has blessed my bid.”

Jalang’o entered politics after years in the entertainment and media industries, where he worked as a comedian, actor, radio presenter, event host and entrepreneur. He was elected Lang’ata MP in the 2022 General Election on an ODM ticket.

He has since announced that he will not defend his parliamentary seat in 2027, opting instead to contest the Nairobi Senate position currently held by Edwin Sifuna.

His decision has opened up the Lang’ata parliamentary race, with several aspirants expressing interest in succeeding him.

Among those who have declared their bids are Dr Davji Atellah, the Secretary-General of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), who is seeking the ODM ticket and former LSK president Nelson Havi. Abass Khalif, the South C Ward Member of the County Assembly, has also announced his intention to contest the seat on an ODM ticket.

The Nairobi Senate race is also attracting interest from other political figures as Sifuna pursues higher political office.

Winnie Odinga, the East African Legislative Assembly MP and daughter of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, declared her bid on October 15, 2026, during the first anniversary commemoration of her father in Bondo, Siaya County.

Nominated Senator Crystal Asige also announced her intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat on October 18, 2026.