Officials of the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) have endorsed their Secretary-General, Davji Atellah, for the Lang’ata parliamentary seat ahead of the 2027 General Election. The union leaders said Atellah’s experience representing healthcare professionals would place him in a position to champion workers’ rights and advocate for legislation addressing challenges facing medical practitioners.
The endorsement was announced by KMPDU National Chairperson Dr Abidan Mwachi during a retreat for union officials in Naivasha, where he said the leadership had unanimously agreed to support Atellah’s candidature. Mwachi expressed confidence that Atellah would use his leadership experience to advance the interests of healthcare workers if elected to Parliament.
KMPDU Leaders Want Workers’ Issues Addressed in Parliament
KMPDU National Treasurer Dr Mercy Nabwire said Kenya needed leaders who understood the difficulties faced by workers and could represent their concerns during the legislative process. She argued that Parliament was an important platform for influencing laws that affect healthcare professionals, including their working conditions and access to essential protections.
Nabwire maintained that medical workers wanted legislation that reflected the realities they face while providing services to Kenyans. She also criticised what she described as a growing divide between political and economic elites and ordinary citizens, arguing that workers’ concerns needed greater attention.
According to Nabwire, labour rights are closely connected to the wider pursuit of social justice, and she expressed hope that Atellah would help advance these issues in Parliament. She further described the KMPDU secretary-general as a committed leader who supports fairness and access to quality healthcare services.
Atellah’s Political Plans for 2027
Despite receiving the union’s endorsement, Atellah has yet to announce the political party whose ticket he intends to use in the Lang’ata parliamentary race. He has also not publicly indicated which of the emerging political formations he may align himself with ahead of the 2027 elections.
His potential entry into elective politics comes as political activity begins to intensify ahead of the next General Election. Atellah’s campaign, if formally launched, is expected to draw attention to his background in labour representation and healthcare advocacy. However, the endorsement by KMPDU officials does not in itself determine the political party nomination process or the outcome of the election.
Jalang’o Rules Out Defending Lang’ata Seat
Atellah’s bid comes after the current Lang’ata Member of Parliament, Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, announced that he would not seek re-election to the constituency seat in 2027. Jalang’o has instead expressed his intention to pursue the Nairobi Senate seat.
His decision could open up the Lang’ata parliamentary contest to new aspirants seeking to represent the constituency in the next Parliament. With Atellah now enjoying the backing of KMPDU officials, his political plans will be closely watched as candidates begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election. The Lang’ata race is likely to attract further interest as prospective candidates clarify their party affiliations and campaign agendas.
