Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has addressed the controversy surrounding his recent comments about the Kisii community made on April 27, 2025, which sparked widespread backlash.
In a statement on his X account on April 28, 2025, Jalang’o expressed regret over what he described as a misrepresentation of his remarks and reaffirmed his deep respect for the Kisii people.
He urged Kenyans to support truth and unity rather than allow misinterpretations to create division.
“My heart is heavy seeing my words misquoted. I hold deep love and respect for the Kisii community — they are my family, my friends, my people. I would never insult them. Please watch the full clip. Let’s stand for truth, not division,” Jalang’o stated.
Controversial statement
The controversy arose from remarks Jalang’o made during his Sunday visit to Marani, Kitutu North Constituency, Kisii County, where he narrated an experience at a local lodge.
He shared that he overheard a group discussing the initiatives of Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi, particularly his efforts to install electricity in the region.
He mentioned that the group, consisting of about 12 people whom he described as “abarogi” (witches), complained that Japheth (Jafo) had disrupted their night running operations by installing streetlights throughout the area.
“They were talking about how Jafo (Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi) had ruined their work—those who used to run at night—because Jafo had installed electricity everywhere, everywhere, everywhere. Now, the place where they used to carry out their nighttime activities is no longer there,” Jalang’o stated.
Reactions by leaders
However, Jalang’o’s choice of words led to an uproar among some leaders and community members, who believed his comments were disrespectful to the Kisii community.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka condemned the remarks, calling them tribal profiling and an insult to the community.
“Tribal profiling is the struggle we have lived with all our lives. Nobody should call me who they think I am. For one to state that our community is only good in an untoward vice such as night running is at best silly and at worst silly,” Onyonka stated.
Despite the backlash, Jalang’o received support from some quarters.
South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro defended him, arguing that his comments were aimed at specific individuals rather than the entire community.
“Do not allow cyber-bullying over what you said while holding the mic. If someone is not a witch, why would they bother? And it’s not like you saw them through the window, right? You said you saw witches; you are not a witch. Where is the problem?” Osoro posed.
“Let’s stop being petty. Jalango, when you come to my place, come and speak. There is no insult to the community. The word ‘witch’ is an English term recognising their existence. Expose them, not the community. Let’s stop being intimidated by the apology. That would be blackmail from witches who want exposure. I am not a witch, and I don’t need an apology!” he added.
Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Nyakundi, who was mentioned in Jalang’o’s narrative, also came to his colleague’s defence, describing the remarks as light-hearted and taken out of context.
“His remarks about meeting ‘witches’ were light-hearted and should not be misinterpreted or weaponised for ill political motives,” Nyakundi stated.
“Jalang’o is a friend to me personally, and to the great people of Kitutu Chache North. We must not allow fake rumours, cropped videos, and distorted messages to sow division among us. I urge all constituents and Kenyans at large to ignore the malicious propaganda being circulated online,” he added.