Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, better known as Jalang'o, made a surprising revelation on Monday, July 10, claiming that his income in the media sector exceeded his current earnings as a legislator.
In the unexpected disclosure, the first-term MP stated that he earned double his current Ksh 820,000 net salary while serving as a radio host at Kiss FM.
In a breakdown, Jalang'o explained that sponsorships and emceeing at corporate and social events supplemented his basic salary.
"If you want to join Parliament to make money, you’ll be hurt. It doesn’t require greedy people. As a media personality, I used to earn more money than now.
"As an MP they say you get paid Ksh1 million after tax it’s Ksh820,000 that is approximately half of what I was being paid as a presenter," Jalang'o stated during an interview on NTV.
The former Hot 96 radio host further explained that he took the risk of receiving a lower salary owing to his desire to serve the public in Parliament.
However, his transition politics faced a myriad of challenges, including his soured relationship with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
He claimed that he was cut off from all communications pertaining to the party and hence was not kept aloof of current developments since his fallout with former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.
As a result, the former presenter would acquire intel occasionally from hearsay in Parliament and not through the official channels.
"As we speak, I've been removed from all communications regarding ODM so I'm kept in the dark regarding the developments of the party. I feel like an orphan," he stated.
He added that close circles within ODM party leader Raila Odinga deterred his efforts to reach the former prime minister.
Despite the challenges he encountered as an ODM member, Jalang'o affirmed his commitment to serving the residents of Langata and collaborating with President William Ruto's administration.
"(If Raila called me to come back home,) I would run as fast as I can but nothing will change regarding my decision to work with the President.
"I would inform him that I respect him but still continue to perform my duties for the Lang'ata residents.
He divulged that several Azimio la Umoja MPs sought to work with President William Ruto but were afraid of switching allegiance to avoid being perceived as traitors.
"There are so many Azimio MPs who would love to work with President Ruto but they can’t come out because they don’t have the courage to do it," he stated.
During the interview, Jalang'o remained cagey on whether he would have voted in favour of or against the Finance Act 2023.
"All that is in the past," the legislator deviated from answering the question.
