City lawyers Danstan Omari and Sam Nyaberi are calling on the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to take action against Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalango, over comments allegedly labeling members of the Kisii community as witchdoctors.
In a strongly worded demand letter addressed to both the NCIC and the MP, the lawyers accuse Jalango of ethnic profiling and hate speech. The complaint stems from remarks made by Jalango during an event in Kitutu Chache North on Sunday, where he claimed to have witnessed a “witches’ meeting” at night in Marani.
The lawyers described Jalango’s use of the term “wachawi” (witches) as insensitive, discriminatory, and deeply offensive.
“The use of the term ‘wachawi’ in reference to a community, based on unfounded assumptions, constitutes ethnic profiling and discrimination,” reads part of the demand letter.
Omari and Nyaberi further allege that Jalango’s comments amount to hate speech and have the potential to incite hatred against members of the Kisii community.
“The comments made by you are discriminatory and may incite hatred or violence against the Kisii community, in violation of national and international human rights standards,” the letter states.
Jalango has been issued a 48-hour ultimatum to issue a public apology, failing which legal proceedings will be initiated against him.
“Take notice that in the event of non-compliance with the above demands within 48 HOURS from receipt of this letter, we will pursue all available legal remedies, including filing a defamation suit, seeking an injunction to prevent further harm, and reporting the matter to the NCIC for investigation and appropriate action,” the letter warns.
Additionally, Jalango has received a cease-and-desist notice, demanding he refrain from making any further defamatory or discriminatory statements about the Kisii community, whether publicly, privately, or via media channels.
In their formal complaint to the NCIC, Omari and Nyaberi argued that Jalango’s comments not only insulted the Kisii people but also undermined constitutional values such as unity, respect, and dignity.
“The offensive nature of these remarks is amplified by their public dissemination,” the complaint notes, adding, “This exacerbates the harm done to the Kisii community and directly undermines the values enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya and the National Cohesion and Integration Act.”
The lawyers contend that Jalango’s remarks constitute a violation of the National Cohesion and Integration Act, No. 12 of 2008, which criminalizes hate speech, ethnic profiling, and the incitement of discrimination.
They have urged the NCIC to launch a formal investigation into the MP’s conduct and to take appropriate disciplinary measures should any violations be confirmed, including sanctions, penalties, or referrals to other relevant authorities.
The controversy arises from statements made by Jalango during a speech at Marani Catholic Church, Kitutu Chache North Constituency, Kisii County, on April 27, 2025. According to Omari, Jalango allegedly referred to members of the Kisii community as “wachawi” — a derogatory term suggesting engagement in traditional, harmful, and outdated practices.
These comments were reportedly made in the context of discussing the installation of electricity in the area, with Jalango suggesting, inaccurately, that the new infrastructure had disrupted the community’s alleged nocturnal activities.
