NAIROBI, Kenya — When Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, better known as Jalang’o, cracked a joke during a fundraiser in Kisii, he likely didn’t expect a cultural firestorm, a tongue-in-cheek multi-million shilling “fine,” and a lecture on Gusii traditions.
But that’s exactly what unfolded after his comments about allegedly eavesdropping on a secret witches’ meeting spiraled into viral controversy.
A Joke That Lit Up More Than Just Streetlights
It all started with what Jalang’o described as light-hearted banter. Speaking at a fundraising event in Kitutu Chache North, the comedian-turned-MP praised local MP Japhet Nyakundi for improving electricity access in the area.
While doing so, he claimed that during his overnight stay at Marani Simba Lodge, he overheard a covert gathering of twelve “witches” lamenting that Nyakundi’s new streetlights were interfering with their “night-running” operations.
“They said the lights were motion-detected and had disrupted their business,” Jalang’o told the amused crowd.
But not everyone found it funny. The Kisii community quickly pushed back, citing the stereotype of witchcraft as harmful and disrespectful.
Nairobi County Chief Environment Officer Geoffrey Mosiria was especially vocal, acknowledging the joke but insisting that such remarks required reparations to appease the community.
Sh105 Million Worth of Apology?
Mosiria proposed a rather theatrical atonement: 1,000 cows, 2,000 goats, 3,000 male sheep, and 1,000 pots of busaa. At going market rates—Sh40,000 per cow, Sh10,000 per goat, and Sh15,000 per sheep—the livestock alone could run Jalang’o a cool Sh105 million.
And, according to Mosiria, all animals must be slaughtered as part of a forgiveness ritual at Manga Hills, with the MP in tow alongside the Luo Council of Elders.
“What is done in secrecy should remain a secret,” Mosiria said, schooling Jalang’o on Gusii customs. “If you saw witches meeting, you should have kept it to yourself.”
In a now-viral statement shared on social media, Jalang’o clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted. “I would never insult the Kisii community. Please watch the full clip. Let’s stand for truth, not division,” he wrote.
Apology Tour (With a Little Help from a Friend)
Jalang’o followed up with a heartfelt public apology emphasizing his deep ties to the Kisii people. “I have many Kisii friends, colleagues, and neighbors. I respect them deeply. I ask everyone to understand the context before judging.”
Fortunately for Jalang’o, not everyone was calling for his head—or his herd. MP Japhet Nyakundi, the man at the center of the story, defended Jalang’o, stating the remarks were humorous and taken out of context.
“His comments were meant to entertain, not offend. Let’s not weaponize jokes for political gain,” Nyakundi said.
While satire has long been part of Kenyan political discourse, the Kisii incident underscores how cultural context can quickly shift a joke into dangerous territory.
