Geoffrey Mosiria Seeks Sanctions on Jalang’o Over ‘Witches in Kisii’ Remarks
Nairobi’s Chief Officer for Environment, Geoffrey Mosiria, has called for disciplinary action against Lang’ata Member of Parliament Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o. Mosiria condemned Jalang’o’s recent comments concerning the Kisii community, labeling them as highly offensive.
In a statement issued on Monday, April 28, Mosiria emphasized that the MP’s claims about encountering witches in Kisii had deeply angered community members.
Geoffrey Mosiria, who also serves as the official spokesperson for the Kisii community in Nairobi County, expressed disappointment over Jalang’o’s public comments. He stressed that even if the Lang’ata lawmaker believed he had seen such secret activities, he should have refrained from discussing them publicly.
Mosiria noted, “If you saw witches gathering in secrecy, you should have kept it to yourself. Among the Abagusii, secrecy is sacred, and exposing such matters to the public is viewed with great seriousness.”
He went on to clarify that the Abagusii community does not engage in witchcraft practices. “For the record, we are not witches. Such secret meetings do not exist in our homeland, Gusii,” Mosiria stated firmly.
Demonstrating the community’s expectation for dignity, Mosiria emphasized that the Kisii people demand respect from everyone, including those claiming to have observed suspicious activities. “We deserve a little respect, even from those who claim to have seen things in the dark,” he insisted.
Despite his strong criticism, Mosiria acknowledged Jalang’o’s move to clarify his earlier remarks. The clarification came after an uproar erupted across various social media platforms, with many accusing the MP of perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Although Jalang’o extended an apology, Mosiria maintained that forgiveness from the Kisii community would not come unconditionally. He laid out specific demands that the Lang’ata MP must fulfill for the apology to be accepted.
“What is witnessed in secrecy should remain confidential. Speaking publicly about such matters is a grave error,” Mosiria explained. Transitioning from criticism to conditional acceptance, he remarked, “Since you have apologized, you can only be forgiven if you meet the following conditions.”
The demands outlined by Mosiria were both symbolic and culturally significant. He insisted that Jalang’o must provide 1,000 cows, 2,000 goats, 3,000 male sheep, and 1,000 pots of busaa, a traditional brew. Mosiria elaborated, “Bring 1,000 cows, 2,000 goats, and 3,000 male sheep. You must also provide 1,000 pots of busaa. These offerings will be used for sacrificial rituals seeking communal forgiveness.”
In addition to the livestock and traditional brew, Mosiria emphasized another important condition. Jalang’o would need to be accompanied by the Luo Council of Elders when presenting the animals and beverages. “On that day, you must also be in the company of the Luo Council of Elders,” Mosiria added.
By demanding the involvement of the Luo Council of Elders, Mosiria highlighted the cultural importance of restoring not just personal dignity but also inter-community respect. His detailed conditions underscore the weight the Kisii community places on traditions, apology rituals, and mutual regard among Kenyan ethnic groups.
The controversy surrounding Jalang’o’s comments has sparked broader conversations about the responsibilities of public figures when speaking about sensitive cultural matters. Many observers argue that, while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, leaders must exercise caution to avoid offending entire communities based on misunderstandings or careless remarks.
Supporters of Mosiria’s call for accountability claim that his demands serve as a critical reminder: public office bearers have an obligation to foster unity and respect across Kenya’s diverse cultures. “When leaders mock traditions or speak carelessly, they endanger social harmony,” commented a local elder during a community forum held in Kisii town on Tuesday.
Others, however, believe that while Jalang’o’s comments were unfortunate, the demands for restitution could have been less extravagant. Some critics argue that the heavy fines set by Mosiria reflect a punitive approach rather than an opportunity for dialogue and reconciliation.
Nonetheless, for the Kisii community, the issue touches on more than just words. It involves historical grievances, identity, and the fight against negative stereotypes that have long plagued the Abagusii people.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Jalang’o will agree to the community’s demands or seek another path toward reconciliation.
Regardless of the outcome, this incident highlights the complex interplay between tradition, modern leadership, and public accountability in Kenya’s multicultural society.
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Geoffrey Mosiria Seeks Sanctions on Jalang’o Over ‘Witches in Kisii’ Remarks
