Fiery Speech Lands Jalango in Hot Water: 48-Hour Apology Demand
His remarks are deemed to be defamatory by labelling members of the Kisii community in delagarory
Langata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwuor alias Jalango has been given an ultimatum of 48 hours to apologize for defamatory statements he made undermining the dignity and respect of the Kisii community.
According to the letter dated April 28, 2024, signed by Melody Mageto on behalf of Danstan Omari and Sam Nyamberi, Jalango was given 48 hours to apologize for the remarks he made on Sunday, April 27, in his speech during a Sunday service at Marani Catholic Church in Kitutu Chache North Constituency, Kisii County.
In his speech that was publicly broadcast, Jalango included disparaging references to members of the Kisii community as witchdoctors, insinuating that they were engaged in witchcraft, practices that are detrimental to society.
In his speech, the Langata Constituency legislature claimed to have overheard the conversation involving members of the Kisii community whom he inaccurately and unfairly described as “wachawi” translating to witch doctors.
Being a Member of Parliament, Jalango is accused of failing to hold the responsibility to lead with integrity, commitment, and respect for all communities.
“Your remarks are deemed to be defamatory by labelling members of the Kisii community in delagarory.” Read part of the letter.
The remarks are also deemed to be ethnically insensitive and hate speech.
He wants to publicly commit himself to engaging with responsible speech that promotes unity, cultural understanding, and respect for all communities and refrain from making any further hate speech.
Failure to comply with the demand will result in a defamation suit seeking an injunction to prevent further harm and report the matter to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) for investigations and appropriate actions.
