Lang'ata Member of Parliament Jalang'o sparked controversy after publicly mocking former ODM secretary general Edwin Sifuna's fundraising paybill during a State House event on July 25.
Speaking at a meeting with Community Health Promoters (CHPs) shortly after President William Ruto announced government support for their health insurance premiums, Jalang'o questioned the need for a paybill fundraiser, saying, "Must William use a paybill fundraiser for the money to raise? We know the paybill people — let them continue." His remarks drew laughter from the crowd but soon drew sharp criticism online.
Social media users quickly unearthed an old video of Jalang'o from before his election, where he appealed to the public for financial support through a till number, mirroring the very crowdfunding method he had just ridiculed.
In the clip, Jalang'o states, "I have done something I have never done before — I have gotten myself a till number for you to support with whatever you can." This contradiction led many Kenyans to accuse him of selective memory and hypocrisy.
Online reactions were swift and direct:
- @safri_kitchen: "Pride is a very bad thing."
- @badgirlcashina_: "Politics aside, I love Jalang'o; he's so handsome by the way."
- @its_stevemwendwa: "He was doing better in the comedy industry, back to sender."
- @ruld09: "Pride comes before a fall."
- @thischicboke: "Huyu ataenda home very early in the morning."
The incident highlights the scrutiny public figures face regarding their past actions, especially when their current statements appear contradictory.
