Lang'ata Member of Parliament Phelix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang'o, sparked widespread debate following his appearance on the Over 1M Podcast hosted by Tony Mwirigi.
During the interview, the lawmaker advised young people against depending solely on formal monthly employment.
Jalang'o questioned why workers settle for twelve payments across a 365-day calendar year. He urged employees to start side businesses to break free from wage reliance.
"Nikuambie, kwa maisha usikubali kulipwa mara 12 kwa mwaka," Jalang'o stated during the podcast. "Mwaka iko na siku ngapi? 365. Kuna watu wanalipwa mara 12 pekee yake.”
He urged workers: "Tafuta njia hata ukiwa pale kwa kazi... jitoe katika minyororo za salary.”
KRG the Don Responds in Tanzania
Musician and businessman Karuga Kimani, known professionally as KRG the Don, addressed the controversy while speaking to journalists in Tanzania. A reporter brought up the viral clip in which Jalang'o advised youths to avoid working for a monthly salary.
KRG acknowledged that the concept sounded good, but cautioned politicians against forgetting their own pasts. He pointed out that Jalang'o worked as a radio presenter before entering politics.
He added: "Kama yeye juzi tu alikuwa ameandikwa kazi kwa radio, akaacha radio ndio akaingia kwenye siasa.”
Defending the Working Youth
KRG argued that young people from low-income backgrounds require monthly jobs to survive and build starting capital. He stressed that formal employment provides the foundational funds needed to launch future investments.
"Kwa hiyo kuna kijana ambaye ametoka kwa familia maskini, hana mtaji," KRG stated. "Unataka huyo kijana awache hiyo ajira aende wapi? Unataka alale njaa?"
He explained how a monthly income allows youth to save step by step until they can buy a motorcycle, start a ride-hailing business, or open a retail kiosk. According to KRG, workers can gradually build larger enterprises through diligence and saved wages.
"Ukimaliza shule hauna mtaji, lazima uende ukafanyie mtu kazi akulipe hiyo mara 12 au save save ili hiyo pesa yako ukafanyie kitu kingine ndio baadaye ukainvest," KRG remarked.
He emphasised: "Huwezi ukarite tu eti vijana wasifanye kazi. Lazima vijana wafanye kazi ili watafute mtaji.”
KRG cautioned politicians against issuing statements that ignore the financial realities of ordinary citizens. He urged young workers to remain focused on securing their livelihoods and taking care of their families.
"Kwa hiyo vijana wasikatishwe tamaa na wanasiasa ambao wanakuja kuongea bila kujali maslahi ya yule mtu yuko chini."
He concluded: "Fanya kazi hii unafanya kwa sababu ni mzuri sometimes kuwa sure kwamba mwezi ikikata mimi nitakuwa na pesa yangu ili niweze kulea familia.”
