Jalang'o forced to apologise to Kisii community over "witches" remarks

Lang'ata Member of Parliament (MP) Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o, has been forced to apologise to residents of Kisii after his "nightrunner" comments were met with backlash.

In his response, Jalang’o conveyed his regret over the misunderstanding of his statement, stressing that he had no intention of offending or disrespecting the Kisii people.

“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,” Jalang’o said in a Facebook post.

“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. The Kisii people are my friends, my colleagues, my neighbors — they are my family. 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,” he said.

The lawmaker found himself in hot water after narrating a funny but controversial story regarding seeing witches in Kisii.

Jalang’o had earlier told the residents of Marani, Kitutu North constituency, that he had arrived early and, while resting at Marani Simba Lodge at night, saw a meeting of twelve individuals.

He said he tried to eavesdrop on the conversation and overheard them complaining that Kitutu Chache North MP Japheth Mokaya was ruining their “night-running” business.

“Nilikuwa nikipumzika pale Marani Simba Lodge. Nikapata kuna baraza ya watu kumi na wawili inaendelea. Nikasema wacha niwasikilize kinachoendelea. Kumbe ni baraza ya warogi (witches). Hao wachawi walikuwa wanaongea wanasema vile Jafo (Kitutu Chache North MP - Japheth Mokaya) amewaharibia kazi. Ni wale wa kukimbia usiku na Jafo ameweka kila mahali stima. Alafu Jafo ameweka ile yenye ukikaribia inawaka,” the Lang’ata MP said.

This humorous and controversial joke cracked up several people in the crowd, but was met with mixed reactions.

Online, his remarks triggered a wave of outrage, with many accusing him of reinforcing old stereotypes that associate the Kisii community with witchcraft. 

Kibugu Njoroge commented: "Am not from kiccc but that's very wrong everybody is not mchawi you have to apologise to the kisii community!!"

"He should apologise for such careless utterances," echoed Onchoke Boera.

Dickson Ogari cautioned the lawmaker: "A very expensive joke..it will cost you big time"

In the apology post, however, comments were limited, seemingly muzzling the over 2,500 netizens who interacted with it.