Comedian Oniri Onjiri has opened up about the role Jalang’o played in helping him confront his alcohol addiction, saying he believes the intervention came at a critical point in his life.
Speaking during an interview on the Emosclock Podcast hosted by Emos Njoroge, Onjiri said he regularly gives Jalang’o credit for speaking to him when he was struggling with alcohol.
“Jalang’o, I always give you your flowers. Sai ningekua nimekufa kama sio Jalang’o bado.”
Onjiri said his drinking had become severe before the Lang’ata MP confronted him about it.
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He recalled attending the funeral of his friend Othuol Othuol. During the funeral, Jalang’o approached him and warned him about his condition.
According to Onjiri, Jalang’o told him that if he continued living the way he was, he could be the next person they would be burying.
“Vile unaendelea hivi, pia wewe tunaenda kukuzika next.”
Another death made him reflect.
Onjiri said another moment came during Ochonjo’s candle-lighting ceremony.
He explained that it was around this time that Jalang’o’s earlier warning began to make sense to him.
Onjiri said people struggling with alcohol may fail to recognise what others can clearly see.
“When you are an alcoholic, people see things that you don’t see.”
He recalled Jalang’o telling him that he could die and that life would eventually continue.
The conversation forced Onjiri to stop and assess his situation.
“By the way, there is something I am doing, but I am not doing it right. I need to stop.”
He said that decision marked a turning point and that he has now stayed away from alcohol for three years.
Onjiri’s earlier account of addiction
The latest revelation follows an earlier account in which Onjiri detailed the extent of his struggle with alcohol.
Onjiri spoke about a prolonged battle with alcohol addiction, saying it had cost him millions, property and relationships. The report also described his recovery journey and the point at which he recognised the need to change.
Earlier reports have also documented Onjiri describing his alcohol problem as lasting for more than two decades. He said his friends could see how badly he was affected, while he struggled to recognise the seriousness of his condition himself.
Onjiri previously said that he did not attend rehabilitation but instead made a personal decision to stop drinking.
