Lang’ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has found himself at the center of a heated online storm after openly declaring support for President William Ruto’s “TUTAM” re-election campaign.
A section of Kenyans on social media went ham on the first-term legislator after he publicly stated that President Ruto remains his preferred candidate for the 2027 General Election, with critics accusing him of backing an administration they believe has failed to address the country’s economic challenges.
Others, however, defended his right to support the leader of his choice, saying political pluralism should be respected.
On Sunday, July 26, Jalang’o took to his social media pages to urge politicians, supporters, and ordinary Kenyans to maintain peace as political temperatures continue to rise ahead of the official campaign season.
The MP also advised artists, influencers, and other creatives to seize the opportunities presented by campaign activities, stressing that accepting campaign-related work does not necessarily amount to endorsing a political candidate.
In his lengthy post, Jalang’o wrote:
“It’s boiling nicely! Every camp is getting ready for the war! Full volume will be from November, 9 months of real battle! It’s not going to to be easy, and if it was easy everyone would do it!
Avoid death or injuries, don’t hang on cars that you don’t know when were serviced or how qualified the driver is!
Every service you will offer make sure you are paid before you take the job, Hata Kama ni kuweka poster! Siasa haina deni!
Artists, influencers and everyone it’s your time to shine! Ukiitwa kazi piga!! It doesn’t mean you have endorsed anyone! Chapa kazi make your money! You are an artist not a politician! Let nobody tell you that they will cancel you! They will be the first to post you when you go broke!! So Chapa kazi!
Meanwhile RUTO TUTAM and that’s my candidate, you also have the right to support your candidate without feelings and abuse!! Siasa sio uadui!!
Have a blessed Sunday!!!”
While many followers applauded his appeal for peaceful campaigns and his call for creatives to earn a living during the election period, it was his declaration of support for President Ruto that quickly became the talking point online.
Many netizens faulted the MP for promoting Ruto’s re-election bid, arguing that public frustration over the cost of living and governance issues made the endorsement ill-timed.
Others reminded him of recent occasions where he faced hostile reactions from sections of the public over his perceived closeness to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Some of the reactions included:
“You lost us at RUTO TUTAM.”
“Peace is good, but we can’t agree with your candidate.”
“Everyone has a democratic right to support whoever they want, but don’t expect everyone to clap for you.”
“Artists should work, yes. Politics shouldn’t divide us, but Ruto isn’t my choice.”
“You had us until the last paragraph.”
The politician has remained one of President Ruto’s most vocal allies in Nairobi.
The legislator has on several occasions accompanied the Head of State during development tours and political events, with President Ruto previously hinting at backing him for the Nairobi Senate seat in 2027.
The debate comes at a time when Kenya’s political landscape is becoming increasingly polarized, with the ruling coalition’s “TUTAM” slogan competing against the opposition’s “Wantam” campaign as both sides intensify early mobilization ahead of next year’s General Election.
The two slogans have dominated rallies and online discussions, reflecting the growing political contest across the country.
FOLLOW NAIROBI NEWS ON FACEBOOK
