Jalang'o Scoffs At Sifuna's Warning On Losing Lang'ata MP Seat
Jalang'o's sentiments came after ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna warned that Jalang'o would face extreme difficulty in retaining the coveted seat
Lang'ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor popularly known as Jalang’o has brushed off fears by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna that he would not retain his seat in 2027 following his expulsion from the Orange Democratic Party (ODM) party.
Speaking on Wednesday, September 13 at Wilson Airport in Nairobi County, Jalang’o exuded confidence that he would beat anyone who vies against him if he uses the ODM ticket to vie for the seat again during the next general elections.
“I am a member of ODM, and ODM is the party I will use here. Maybe if they are planning to lose this Lang’ata seat,” Jalang’o chest-thumped.
Lang'ata MP Jalang'o during a past address. /FILE
However, the legislator cum entertainer assured that the seat was not entirely his and that any candidate was welcome to take it from him after a spirited battle at the ballot.
Consequently, he challenged vlogger Andrew Kibe and comedian Eric Omondi to a duel with him to clinch the top seat in the constituency which is popular for, among others, Wilson Airport and South C estate.
“Political seats are open for anyone, anyone can compete any day but it is the people of Lang'ata who will decide who their MP will be and they know who their next MP will be, the one who who is always there for them and that is me,” he added.
“Eric has a chance to be the MP of Langata, This is a political post, I don't know if he has ever announced, but the field is open, we will meet on the ground,” he added.
Kibe who recently had his YouTube account terminated, had initially shared a video hinting at interest in the Lang'ata MP seat. It is worth it to note that Kibe in 2013, vied for the seat on a United Democratic Forum (UDF) Party ticket. However, his bid was unsuccessful as he lost to ODM's Joash Olum.
It is not yet clear if Omondi, who recently developed a soft spot for political and current affairs matters while continuing his comedy, plans to run in 2027.
Jalang'o's sentiments came after ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna warned that Jalang'o would face extreme difficulty in retaining the coveted seat in the event his expulsion from the ODM is stayed by the Court order.
"Everyone at ODM agrees with us that they should be expelled. If they run to the courts for help, as long as we have followed the law as a party.
"What I know and what I advised my brothers because we have walked with Jalang'o the whole of Nairobi looking for votes. I told Jalang'o to stop being cheated by people. Even if you'll get to 2027 with a court order, you are not clinching Lang'ata again," Sifuna told Radio 47 on Tuesday, September 12.
Sifuna, who is also ODM's Secretary General, further stated that the party is determined to follow all lawful procedures for effecting the expulsion.
He added that he would be seeking approval from the party's National Governing Council (NGC) to finally put a stamp on the expulsion decision.
The Political Parties Dispute Tribunal issued orders barring ODM from expelling three lawmakers for associating with President William Ruto, against the party rules. They included Jalang'o, Elisha Odhiambo (Gem) and Tom Ojienda (Kisumu Senator).