Langata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwuor Jalang’o has been served with a 48-hour ultimatum to retract, withdraw and apologize to the Kisii community for remarks that amount to ethnic profiling.
In a letter to the National Commission on Integrity and Cohesion (NCIC), city lawyers Danstan Omari and Sam Nyaberi claim Jalang’os comments not only insulted the Kisii people but also undermined the constitutional values of unity, respect, and dignity.
The comedian-turned-politician had claimed he saw witches meeting at night at Marani in Kisii County. Although the legislator has since apologized saying the remarks were made in jest, the two lawyers have threatened to escalate the matter to a legal suit if the politician does not conclusively retract and apologize to the Kisii community.
“We are not witches and such unfortunate remarks by a leader are the worst kind of ethnic profiling that could flare into violent reaction among hitherto peaceful neighbouring communities. Jalang’o must apologize,” said the lawyers.
Nairobi City Manager Geoffrey Mosiria wants Jalang’o fined 300,000 male sheep. “If it’s a laughing matter let him know that he took the joke too far,” said Mosiria.
“The use of the term ‘wachawi’ about a community based on unfounded assumptions constitutes ethnic profiling and discrimination.
“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 addressed to Jalang’o and NCIC read in part.
Jalang’o now has 48-hours to apologize failure to which legal action will be taken against him.
Early Monday evening the renowned criminal lawyer Danstan Omari said he will be suing Jalang’o whether he apologizes or not.
“I am suing whether he apologises or not,” the city lawyer confirmed.
The letter was only meant to indicate their plan to seek an injunction against the legislator to prevent further harm. It was also meant to prompt the NCIC to investigate the MP and take appropriate action. It, however, did not mean Jalang’o was off the hook.
“Cease making any further defamatory or discriminatory statements about the Kisii community, whether in public, private, or through any media channels.”
In a contrite reaction Jalang’o has said he had been misrepresented and misunderstood.
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