Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, has landed in controversy after allegedly referring to the Kisii community as “wachawi” (witches).
In a demand letter dated April 28, 2025, from Danstan Omari & Associates Advocates, the Kisii community, through lawyers Danstan Omari and Sam Nyamberi, is demanding a public apology and an immediate cessation of any further defamatory remarks.
The incident allegedly occurred on April 27, 2025, during Jalang’o’s speech at Marani Catholic Church in Kitutu Chache North Constituency, Kisii County, during a fundraising event.
According to the lawyers, Jalang’o’s remarks which were publicly broadcast, made disparaging and unfounded references to members of the Kisii community by labeling them “wachawi,” insinuating that they were involved in practices harmful to society.
“The use of the term ‘wachawi’ directed at an entire community based on stereotypes amounts to ethnic profiling and discrimination,” the lawyers said in court documents.
They further argue that such comments are discriminatory and could incite hatred or violence against the Kisii community, in violation of both national and international human rights laws.
The Kisii community, through their legal representatives, has given Jalang’o 48 hours to issue a public apology and undertake not to repeat such remarks. Failure to do so, they have threatened to file a lawsuit and report the matter to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC).