Nairobi News

Lang’ata Member of Parliament (MP) Phelix Odiwuor Jalang’o has revealed that he is pursuing his childhood dream of becoming a pilot.

Speaking about his enrolment in piloting classes, Jalang’o confirmed attending classes at a flying school at Wilson Airport.

Also read: Two-year abstinence: Jalang’o’s baby mama shares the reason behind it

“I just need a private pilot’s licence. One day you will see a plane approaching the airport, and it will be my voice asking the control towers for permission to land,” he said. Despite the high cost of the entire course, Jalang’o will pay between Ksh600,000 and Ksh800,000 to obtain his Private Pilot Licence (PPL).

Jalang’o explained that he kept his schooling under wraps to avoid criticism from the community due to his public office.

“DJ Joe Mfalme is in class; I am also in class, but I have never shared photos because people will start claiming that I am using public money, which is not true,” he clarified.

He also disclosed that he shields his family from the public eye, particularly his children. Speaking on his life since joining politics, Jalang’o stated that his activities are subject to public scrutiny.

Also read: Jalang’o: I thought I would meet Ruto alone at State House

“I do not want to be tagged with my name or current occupation so that they are given preferential treatment. They wake up early and use the bus like other children,” he noted.

On the issue of using public funds to sponsor his leisure activities, Jalang’o quickly clarified that he used his funds.

According to the former radio presenter, it is nearly impossible to swindle money from the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) since the MP is not a signatory in the CDF account.

Jalang’o further maintained that he took the right stand to work with President William Ruto because he had to serve the people of Lang’ata first. He also clarified that he was willing to serve one term if the decision meant that he would lose the party’s backing in 2027.

Also read: Jalango defends visit with Ruto: Prioritizes progress over political drama

“My conscience is clear: I want to deliver for the people of Lang’ata. So be it, even if it is one term,” Jalang’o stated. Despite the differences between former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the ODM party, Jalang’o still admires Raila and explains his decision to support the president to the party leader, who was unhappy with the move.

Jalang’o revealed that he had been trolled online and targeted after meeting Ruto at State House on February 7 with other members of the ODM party. He acknowledged the push by the ODM party to dewhip MPs who decamped to the government side as part of the set bipartisan talks, adding that he was willing to venture into other things, such as returning to the radio if he failed to clinch his seat in the 2027 General Election.

“These things don’t move me. I have left with better salaries than what I am earning as an MP. You even saw Mumias MP Peter Salaysa’s post. He was earning Sh96,000. Maybe I am earning less. It won’t change anything. My conscience is very clear that I want to serve the people, and they will judge me after five years,” he concluded.

Also read: ‘I feel bad being ejected,’ Jalango speaks after being barred from Azimio retreat