Lang'ata Member of Parliament (MP) Jalang'o has responded to claims made by his look-alike, Stanley Mulee Mutisya, who accused the MP of abandoning him after allegedly promising to improve his life.
Mutisya, who first met Jalang'o in November 2021 during an interview on Jalang'o TV, said that people often approach him for handouts, mistaking him for the MP.
Despite their resemblance, Mutisya claims he has received little support from Jalang'o, stating that during their interview, he was only given Sh1,000.
"Watu huniita Jalang'o kila mahali wakitaka niwapee kakitu na mimi sina kitu. Alinipea tu Sh1,000. He promised to help me but he never did. It’s now three years down the line. He doesn’t answer my calls," Mutisya said.
He added that after paying for his Uber ride and sharing some of the money, he was left with just Sh100.
Mutisya also mentioned the pressure he faces from his landlord, who questions why he struggles with rent despite looking like an MP.
"Mpaka landlord ananiulizanga, 'wewe unakaa MP wa Lang'ata na bado rent unachelewesha.'"
Mutisya further recounted a conversation with his father after he cleared school who asked, "Sasa huyu Jalang'o mwenye mnafanana na yeye anakusaidia na nini so far? Kama hawezi kusaidia basi ni wa nini?"
In response, Jalang'o dismissed Mutisya's complaints, saying, "Munajua nacheka nini? Hii ni maajabu! Yaani mkifanana sasa ukuwe responsibility yangu ??.
He added: “Ungekuwa unafanana na mimi pia kwa kujituma na kutafuta haungefanya hii interview! So ukiulizwa what do you do for a living… ‘Ooohh nafanana na Jalas!'"
Reactions on Instagram varied, with many criticising Mutisya for expecting financial support simply because of his resemblance to Jalang'o.
One user, Min Hawi, commented, "Can this man get up and work? Why should he be helped for looking like someone? Shame on him."
Another, Sean, added, "You want to live off someone because you look like them? Even me, I’m made in the image of God, should you worship me?"
Others echoed similar sentiments, questioning why Mutisya should receive any assistance simply because he looks like the MP.