Lang’ata Member of Parliament and Nairobi senatorial candidate Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has cautioned that issuing direct nominations to political candidates contributes to voter apathy. He explained that supporters of aspirants who are denied the chance to contest party primaries often feel betrayed and may boycott elections in protest.
Speaking on the AM TV Podcast on July 28, 2026, Jalang’o highlighted that direct nominations discourage active participation by sidelining candidates who have invested time and resources in campaigns. He urged political parties and coalitions to finalize such decisions well before elections to avoid wasting candidates’ efforts and funds.
Jalang’o referenced the 2022 General Election, when businessman Richard Ngatia withdrew from the Nairobi gubernatorial race after being asked to step down in favor of Jubilee’s Polycarp Igathe under the Azimio coalition deal. He noted that by then, Ngatia had already spent heavily on campaign materials, including billboards across Nairobi.
Party Primaries as a Democratic Solution
The MP emphasized that party primaries remain the most transparent and fair method to select candidates. He argued that aspirants who lose in primaries are more likely to support the eventual nominee, thereby reducing disillusionment and encouraging voter turnout.
Jalang’o’s views align with those of Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda, who recently criticised direct nominations for undermining electoral participation. Ojienda noted that the practice has politically disadvantaged Raila Odinga in past elections by alienating voters whose preferred candidates were excluded.
Both leaders advocate for inclusive and competitive party primaries to strengthen democracy and improve voter engagement ahead of Kenya’s upcoming elections.
