Editor's Review

“I have seen the reports about what was said during my visit to Kisii yesterday, and I am deeply hurt by the way my words have been misrepresented."

Langa’ta Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, now says his remarks on hearing witches conducting a meeting in Kisii were misquoted.

Speaking in Kisii County on Sunday, April 27, Jalang'o claimed he was in a hotel in Marani when he heard a group of witches complaining that Kitutu Chache North MP Japhet Nyakundi had disrupted their business by connecting electricity in the area.

"Yesterday, I arrived here early and spent the night at Marani Simba Lodge. While I was there, I heard a certain gathering going on of about twelve people. I decided to listen closely to hear what it was about, only to realize it was a meeting of witches. They were talking about how Japhet had ruined their work because he had installed electricity everywhere,” Jalang’o claimed.

The remarks sparked outrage from Kisii locals who demanded that the Lang’ata MP issues an apology for insulting the community.

In a statement on Monday, April 28, Jalang’o his words were misinterpreted and were not intended to insult the Kisii community.

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File image of Langata MP Phelix Odiwuor Jalang'o.

“I have seen the reports about what was said during my visit to Kisii yesterday, and I am deeply hurt by the way my words have been misrepresented. It pains me to hear that anyone would think I would ever insult or look down upon the Kisii community. That is simply not who I am,” said Jalang’o.

The ODM MP noted he has many Kisii friends, colleagues, and neighbors with whom he has lived harmoniously.

“I have worked alongside them, shared meals with them, and celebrated with them. I would never allow profiling or disrespect to come from my mouth or my heart. Please, I ask you to take a moment to watch the full clip and understand the true context.

“Let us not let falsehoods sow division between people who have always stood together. I value and respect the Kisii community deeply, today and always,” Jalang’o added.

Nyakundi has also come out to defend Jalang’o, saying the MP was making a joke, but the remarks have been taken out of context.

“Hon. Jalang’o, while narrating his journey to attend the Marani Catholic Parish Mega Funds Drive, humorously mentioned an encounter that has unfortunately been twisted out of context. His remarks about meeting ‘witches’ were light-hearted and should not be misinterpreted or weaponized for ill political motives,” the Kitutu Chache North MP stated.