Jalang’o: Politicians can't be sued for using Niko Kadi slogan

Lang’ata Member of Parliament (MP) Phelix Odiwuor also known as Jalang’o has dismissed suggestions that politicians should face legal action for adopting the Niko Kadi slogan, saying there is no basis for such claims.

Speaking in an online video clip circulated on social media, the legislator explained that the phrase cannot be legally protected because it is not registered or patented.

“Somebody has asked me if politicians can be sued for using this campaign Niko Kadi and my answer is no!” he said

“I don't think you can sue a politician for jumping into this campaign”

He explained that the two‑word slogan is too generic and widely used in everyday conversation to qualify for exclusive legal protection, saying that it was not patented.

“Reason number one, it is not patented. It's not registered, and even if it were to be registered or to be patented, it's a two-word slogan that is so hard to be registered,” he said.

Jalang’o noted that other Swahili phrases similar to Niko Kadi, such as Niko poa or Niko fiti, are common colloquial expressions and could not realistically be trademarked.

He added that using the slogan in political campaigns should be seen as part of public expression and not a matter for litigation.

The MP also clarified that the phrase mtu ako kadi loosely means someone has a card, which does not inherently relate to voter registration.

He further urged young people and the wider public to ensure they register to vote, to stay engaged and hinted at meeting again in 2027.

The comments from Jalang’o come amid a broader conversation around the Niko Kadi movement, a Gen Z‑led push that has gained momentum online and in communities across Kenya as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

What began as a simple slogan meant to encourage young people to obtain their voter registration cards has grown into a cultural phenomenon with tangible impact.

The Niko Kadi trend started earlier this year when young activists used the phrase to document their voter registration journeys on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Twitter.

Videos showing youths singing, dancing and celebrating after obtaining their voter cards quickly gained traction, turning the phrase into a rallying cry for youth political participation.

As the trend gained visibility, it evolved beyond individual social media posts into a broader movement.

Young people began creating informal challenges and dance moves tied to Niko Kadi, blending civic engagement with creativity and community energy.

Many of these clips featured celebratory choreography and patriotic chants, reinforcing the link between the slogan and active citizenship.

The viral nature of the movement also inspired content creators and musicians.

In recent weeks, a popular Niko Kadi song and dance challenge emerged online, combining music, rhythm and civic messaging.

The song’s lyrics echo the call for voter registration and civic responsibility, while the associated dance moves have been replicated by thousands of Kenyan youths in different parts of the country.

Politicians from various parties have been quick to incorporate Niko Kadi into their own engagements, adopting the slogan in public appearances and campaign messages as they seek to connect with younger voters.

Some youths, however, have expressed discomfort with this trend, arguing that Niko Kadi began as a grassroots, non‑partisan call for registration and should not be co‑opted for political positioning.

Social media posts by some Gen Z users emphasise that the movement is rooted in civic duty rather than political affiliation.

In comments shared online, several young activists rejected the idea that slogans like Niko Kadi should be exclusively associated with any political party or candidate.

They maintain that the original intent was to motivate as many eligible Kenyans as possible to register to vote and exercise their constitutional rights.

The Niko Kadi phenomenon has also coincided with increased turnout at voter registration centres across the country.

Reports from several counties indicate a rise in youth registrations, with many young people documenting their participation and sharing it online using the hashtag NikoKadi.