Doctors’ Union Boss Davji Atellah Eyeing Lang’ata Parliamentary Seat

The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Union (KMPDU) Secretary General Davji Atellah has decared his intentions of running for the Lang’ata constituency parliamentary seat in the forthcoming 2027 general elections

He said said that his experience advocating for doctors has prepared him to serve the people of Lang’ata.

Atellah said he has spent years standing with doctors in street protests, negotiations and difficult discussions over their welfare and dignity.

He said the experience taught him the importance of standing up for people even when doing so comes with pressure and risks.

Atellah announced his political ambitions during a meeting with more than 1,000 youths in the constituency.

The KMPDU boss, however, has not disclosed the political party whose ticket he intends to use or indicated which of the emerging political formations he will align himself with ahead of the elections.

During the engagement, Atellah outlined a development agenda focused on education, healthcare, youth empowerment and the protection of informal-sector workspaces.

He said education would be among his priorities if elected, including reforming the way bursaries are distributed in the constituency.

“Education is a right for every child in Lang’ata,” Atellah said while outlining his proposed approach to bursary distribution.

He also pledged to address challenges facing young people and expand opportunities for their economic empowerment.

His entry into the Lang’ata race comes when the constituency is set for an open contest following incumbent MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, announcing that he will not defend his parliamentary seat in 2027.

Jalang’o has instead declared his intention to contest the Nairobi Senate seat.

Atellah’s political ambitions follow his re-election as KMPDU secretary general, securing a fresh five-year mandate after emerging unopposed in the union’s April 2026 elections.

His tenure at the doctors’ union has been marked by campaigns over doctors’ salaries, payment of salary arrears, promotions and career progression.

“I have spent years standing with doctors on the streets, at negotiation tables and in difficult conversations where the welfare and dignity of our medics were at stake. The fight for doctors taught me something simple: when you are entrusted with the responsibility to serve, you cannot afford to look away,” he said.

Atellah said he intends to carry the same approach to Lang’ata, where he said his focus would remain on listening to residents and working with them.

“That same spirit is what I am bringing home to Lang’ata. The arena may change, but my commitment does not. The people may be different, but the principle remains the same: listen, stand with the people, and get to work,” he said.

He said his entry into politics would not change his approach to leadership, saying he would bring the same determination he has demonstrated in advocating for doctors.

The SG added that his work in advocating for doctors would now extend to his home constituency.

“I am not coming to Lang’ata to be another politician. I am coming with the same courage, energy and determination that I have carried into every fight for our doctors,” Atellah said.

“The work continues. This time, it is home.”