MP Jalang'o speaks on being removed from WhatsApp groups, working with Ruto

Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwour, popularly known as Jalang’o, says he has been reduced to an orphan or rather a stranger in the ODM Party following his close working relationship with President William Ruto.

From a die-hard member of the Raila Odinga-led Orange Party, Jalang’o says, at the moment, he has been locked out from all ODM communication platforms including WhatsApp groups and remains in the dark on party affairs.

Speaking in an interview with NTV, the Lang’ata MP disclosed that currently, he gets information about the party through hearsay.

“Sasa hivi nimetolewa kwa communications zote za chama. So hata kama kuna chochote chama inataka tu support, siwezi jua. Labda upate kuskia kupitia fununu pale bungeni… Ni wakati mgumu kwa maana upo tu kama yatima pale,” he said.

Nonetheless, the Lang’ata MP says he does not regret and cannot turn back on working with President Ruto despite his critics opining that his actions amount to political suicide and will culminate in him being a one-term legislator.

“…ilipofika kotini na wale majaji wasaba wote wakasema rais ni William Ruto na baadaye nikaanza kuona maono yake na mambo ambayo anajaribu kufanya, nikasema this is the direction I want to take, I want to work with the President na sitarudi nyuma,” said Jalang’o.

The MP further revealed that since the February 7th visit to State House together with a host of other opposition allied leaders, he has not been allowed to get close or have a personal meeting with ODM Party Raila Odinga, this despite him insisting how much he respects the opposition chief.

“…Mimi ni kijana ya baba. Baba ananipenda sana. Nampenda na namheshimu. Lakini haya mambo ambayo yalitokea baada ya safari ya State House, hata kuja karibu nayeye imekuwa ngumu. Watu wanakuona kama msaliti. Hata security yangu tu, siezi songa karibu kwa sababu wengi wanaona kwamba umeharibu,” Jalang’o disclosed.

The MP insists that he is not a traitor, adding that even if he fails to be reelected in the 2027 elections due to his political move, he will remain grateful that he got the chance to be a Member of Parliament.

Meanwhile, Jalang’o insists that the recent trips to State House by perceived ODM rebels will not affect the Opposition leader’s political grip on the Nyanza region.

"Kujaribu na kuwa na dhana kuwa unaweza kumtoa Raila alivyo shikilia Nyanza ni ndoto yam chana. Nyanza wanaskiza watu wawili tu… Mungu na Baba (Raila)," said Jalang'o.