Langata MP Felix Odiwuor, famously known as Jalang’o, has publicly acknowledged the support he received from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and Azimio leader Raila Odinga during his election campaigns.
In a TV47 interview on Friday, Jalang’o disclosed that Raila Odinga had not only endorsed him but had also financially contributed to his campaign efforts, providing him with 5 million shillings.
Jalang’o expressed his gratitude, stating, “Even my campaigns could have been very hard, and I know the big role Baba played in me being a member of parliament. He supported me by not only endorsing me but also financially.
We are the few people that one day Baba told us to plan something, and he said he would come and grace it to support us in the elections, and he gave me personally Ksh 5 million.” He emphasized that without Raila’s support, winning the parliamentary seat would have been a significant challenge.
During the interview, the first-term MP highlighted the arduous nature of political campaigns, noting that support, such as that from the party leader, was crucial. He remarked, “It was fiery, it is not easy to beat an incumbent MP with the resources and everything.”
Jalang’o’s relationship with ODM became strained when he and other members were expelled from the party for their association with President William Ruto.
ODM maintained that these leaders should resign and seek a fresh mandate from a different political party. However, Jalang’o remains steadfast, stating that he hasn’t done anything wrong and still has affection for the party.
He mentioned, “Baba knows very well that Jalang’o is his son. Baba loves me so much, but the truth is, when politics takes over, even love and loyalty can be challenged. Politics is a game of chance, a snowball.”
Despite his expulsion, the Lang’ata MP has declared his intention to stay in his current political position and continue working with Deputy President William Ruto.
