Jalang'o Predicts Ruto’s Re-Election, Says Opposition Has No Match

Lang’ata Member of Parliament (MP) Phelix Odiwuor, known as Jalang'o, has asserted that President William Ruto is highly likely to secure a second term in the 2027 general election.

The MP also predicts that Embakasi East MP Babu Owino will win the Nairobi gubernatorial race. Speaking during a recent radio interview, Jalang'o anchored his forecast for Ruto's re-election on the administration's delivery of key campaign pledges. He highlighted infrastructure projects and policy implementation as evidence of effective governance, suggesting these achievements have strengthened Ruto’s political position.

"Ruto going home is going to be hard, and getting him from that seat is going to be harder," Jalang'o remarked, emphasising his belief that performance, rather than party loyalty, will be the determining factor in the upcoming vote. 

He maintained that his assessment is based on objective observation and public sentiment. As political activity intensifies in advance of the 2027 elections, Jalang'o's endorsement arrives amid early strategic positioning. While opposition figures have alluded to potential new candidates, Jalang’o contends that no one has yet emerged with the necessary national traction to mount an effective challenge against the current president.

Turning to the Nairobi gubernatorial contest, Jalang’o predicts Babu Owino is well-positioned to win the city’s top seat in 2027, particularly if he secures the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nomination. Even without party support, Jalang’o argues Owino’s political influence would make him a significant contender.

"I am preparing you for Babu Owino's leadership as Nairobi governor," Jalang’o said, adding his expectation for Owino to serve a single term before pursuing higher office. 

The MP also hinted at his own future gubernatorial aspirations, suggesting a succession plan following Owino's tenure. However, Jalang’o cautioned against internal strife within ODM, warning that a field of strong candidates—Owino, Edwin Sifuna, and Tim Wanyonyi—could divide the vote and inadvertently benefit a candidate from the Mount Kenya region. He emphasises the need for strategic unity within the party to maximise its chances.

"Politics, at a certain level, is tribal," he noted, underlining the significant influence of ethnic alliances in Kenyan elections.