The race for the Nairobi senatorial seat ahead of the 2027 General Election is attracting fresh political attention, with nominated Senator Crystal Asige and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga emerging as prominent contenders.

The contest is becoming increasingly interesting following Edwin Sifuna's presidential ambitions, which could leave the Nairobi Senate seat open to a new generation of political leaders.

Citizen Digital reported that Winnie Odinga declared her intention to contest the seat on October 15, 2026, during the first anniversary commemoration of her father, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in Bondo, Siaya County.

Winnie indicated that she saw an opportunity to contest the position as Sifuna pursued higher political ambitions. She also called on young Kenyans to prepare to seek elective positions in the 2027 General Election.

Her announcement immediately introduced another major political figure into the Nairobi succession debate, particularly because of the Odinga family's influence within the ODM party.

However, Winnie is now facing competition from Crystal Asige, who has also expressed interest in the same position.

The Star reported that Asige declared her Nairobi senatorial ambition on October 18 during a Linda Mwananchi grassroots tour in Donholm, Embakasi East.

The nominated senator, who represents persons with disabilities and other special interest groups, said her parliamentary record demonstrated her ability to serve Nairobi residents.

She highlighted her legislative contributions, disability rights advocacy and parliamentary performance, arguing that she could achieve even more if elected directly by Nairobi voters.

According to her official profile on the Parliament of Kenya website, Asige has been recognised as a top-performing senator for two consecutive years and has championed several legislative proposals.

The National Assembly also confirmed in January 2025 that it had passed the Persons with Disabilities Bill, sponsored by Asige, marking an important development in her legislative agenda.

Meanwhile, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has also attracted attention following his remarks about Winnie's political ambitions.

People Daily reported that Babu defended Winnie's right to pursue the Nairobi senatorial seat, maintaining that he would not fight the daughter of his late political mentor simply because he wanted to become Nairobi governor.

The Star also reported on Babu's position, noting that he was seeking the gubernatorial seat while allowing Winnie to pursue her senatorial ambitions.

The legislator further challenged Nairobi residents to decide who should occupy the two positions, arguing that political leadership should not be determined by tribal considerations.

He cited the 2022 General Election, when Nairobi voters elected Sifuna as senator and Johnson Sakaja as governor, as an example of voters choosing leaders from the same community.

Babu's remarks have added another dimension to the developing political contest, particularly because he is pursuing the governorship rather than the Senate seat.

Kenya News Agency previously reported that Sifuna was positioning himself for a 2027 presidential bid, having indicated that he was looking for a political vehicle to advance his ambitions.

Citizen Digital subsequently reported that the Linda Mwananchi leadership had settled on Sifuna as its presidential candidate, with Babu Owino being backed for the Nairobi gubernatorial ticket.

Beyond Asige and Winnie, other politicians have also been associated with the Nairobi senatorial contest.

They include Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o, former Makadara MP Reuben Ndolo, musician KRG The Don, lawyer Cecil Miller and youth leader Ken Babu.

The Kenya Times has also reported on the growing list of potential contenders, although their individual candidacies should be distinguished from formally declared bids.

With several political figures positioning themselves ahead of 2027, the Nairobi Senate contest could become one of the closely watched political battles, particularly within ODM.

The emerging competition between Asige and Winnie also raises questions about the party's succession politics and whether its supporters will eventually rally behind one candidate or face an internal contest.