Jalang’o Fined Millions Over Witchcraft Joke
Nairobi County Chief Environment Officer, Geoffrey Mosiria, has announced that Lang’ata Member of Parliament, Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has been fined millions of shillings after making a controversial joke about overhearing a secret witches’ meeting in Kisii County.
In a statement released on Monday, Mosiria admitted that Jalang’o’s comments were made in jest.
However, he explained that the joke had deeply angered members of the Kisii community, and therefore, Jalang’o would have to make reparations to heal the hurt caused.
According to Mosiria, Jalang’o is required to meet with the community elders, but not empty-handed.
He must bring 1,000 cows, 2,000 goats, 3,000 male sheep, and 1,000 pots of traditional brew known as busaa to help facilitate the peace talks.
Mosiria estimated that each cow would cost around Ksh40,000, each goat Ksh10,000, and each sheep Ksh15,000. Based on these figures, the cost of the animals alone would amount to approximately Ksh105 million.
The Chief Officer emphasized that all these animals must be slaughtered as part of a sacrificial ceremony seeking forgiveness.
Additionally, Jalang’o would need to be accompanied by members of the Luo Council of Elders when meeting the Kisii elders.
Mosiria outlined that the reconciliation ceremony would be held at Manga Hills, a culturally significant place for the Kisii people.
There, the elders would deliberate and decide on the way forward. He also took a moment to commend Japhet Nyakundi, the area MP, for his work in improving lighting in Kisii, stating, “Meanwhile, the lighting is working well, Kudos MP Japho.”
Furthermore, Mosiria used the opportunity to educate Jalang’o on Kisii traditions and expectations. He stressed that matters witnessed in secrecy, particularly in their culture, should never be spoken about publicly.
According to Mosiria, revealing private or sacred activities is considered highly disrespectful.
“If you witnessed a secret gathering, you should have kept it confidential,” Mosiria said firmly. “Among the Abagusii people, we treat secret matters with great seriousness. And to clarify, we are not witches. No such gatherings exist among the Gusii people.”
He continued, “Whatever is done in secrecy should stay secret. Speaking publicly about it shows disrespect. All we ask for is a little respect — just a little.”
The controversy started when Jalang’o, while addressing a fundraising event in Kitutu Chache North Constituency, made remarks that touched on an old stereotype about witchcraft in Kisii.
In his speech, he praised area MP Japhet Nyakundi for his impressive development work, but jokingly said that he had stumbled upon a secret meeting of witchdoctors while staying overnight at Marani Simba Lodge.
“I spent the night at Marani Simba Lodge, and during my stay, I came across a gathering of about 12 people. Out of curiosity, I listened in and discovered they were witchdoctors,” Jalang’o joked during the event.
He went further, saying, “They were discussing how Japho’s efforts in installing street lights had negatively impacted their activities — especially those who engage in night-running — because the street lights, some with motion detectors, were exposing their movements.”
The remarks quickly sparked outrage, especially among the Kisii community, who felt insulted by the joke.
In response to the backlash, Jalang’o issued an apology through his social media platforms. He expressed regret over the misunderstanding and clarified that he had no ill intentions toward the Kisii people.
“My heart is heavy seeing how my words have been misquoted. I have deep love and respect for the Kisii community — they are my family, my friends, and my people,” Jalang’o wrote. “I would never insult them. Please take time to watch the full video clip. Let’s stand together for truth, not division.”
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