- The claims emerged after the ODM Party expelled Jalang’o and four others from the ODM party over claims of advancing the interests of another outfit contrary to the law.
- Other expelled were MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.
Social media claim that Lang’ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, alias Jalang’o, has written to the Independence Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) expressing the decision to resign is false.
The claims emerged after the ODM Party expelled Jalang’o and four others from the ODM party over claims of advancing the interests of another outfit contrary to the law.
Other expelled were MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Caroli Omondi (Suba South), Gideon Ochanda (Bondo), and Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda.
In the wake of Twitter reactions regarding the expulsion, a Twitter post claimed that Jalang’o had written to IEBC saying he was resigning and that he would seek to clinch the Lang’ata seat again on an Independent ticket.
“I have written a resignation letter to the IEBC to declare the Lang'ata Parliamentary seat vacant to pave the way for by-elections following my bitter fallout with the ODM party. I will defend my seat as an independent candidate. I wish Baba well,” Kibet Collins tweeted.
The Star Fact-Checker has, however, established that the claims are misleading as Jalang’o has not written to the IEBC expressing an intention to resign and the Lang’ata MP seat declared vacant.
Jalang’o when asked about the reports said he has never contemplated resigning.
"That would be stupid of me, for lack of a better word. Saying that I resign will be validating the fact that I am wrong, yet I didn't do any wrong," Jalang’o said while trashing the resignation claims
The fact that no credible media house reported about that makes it a clear indication that the claims are false since such a development would have been a major news headline.
At the same time, Jalang’o has maintained that he will not resign from the ODM party and will seek re-election in 2027 on the ODM party ticket.
Besides Jalang’o has obtained orders from the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal to stop his expulsion from the ODM party, an indicator that he is determined to fight for his seat.
He would not have moved to court if he wanted to resign and vote for the Lang’ata seat.
Speaking to Radio 47, Jalang’o also reiterated that he will remain the Lang’ata MP until 2027 and that he is not going anywhere.
“Let me tell you this, I will be the Lang’ata MP until 2027. Take this to the bank. There are no changes that will be done,” Jalang’o said an indicator that he is not intending to resign.
The Star Fact-Check desk has debunked the claims and established that they are FALSE.
This fact check was published by The Star Factcheck desk with technical support from Code for Africa’s PesaCheck newsdesk, through the African Fact-Checking Alliance (AFCA).