Lang’ata MP and media personality Felix Odiwuor, popularly known as Jalang’o, has expressed his frustration over Kenyans who attend events without purchasing tickets.
The legislator took to social media to call out individuals who expect free access to paid functions, arguing that such behavior undermines the hard work and financial investment put into organizing these events.
“You can’t just decide that you won’t buy tickets to events!! Ati wewe uta occupy! People invest in these events!!” Jalang’o remarked passionately.
Jalang’o likened the act of gate-crashing to shoplifting, questioning how individuals would feel if people entered their businesses and took goods without paying.
“How would you feel if people came to your shop and decided to pick things without paying? You can’t occupy people’s investments!!” he added.
His remarks come in response to a growing trend where concertgoers and event attendees force their way into venues without paying, leading to financial losses for organizers. The MP emphasized the importance of respecting event organizers’ efforts, noting that these events require substantial investment in venues, security, talent bookings, and logistics.
Jalang’o urged Kenyans to support the entertainment industry by purchasing tickets, ensuring that event organizers, artists, and service providers receive fair compensation for their work. He stressed that the success of the creative industry depends on people recognizing and respecting the business aspect of entertainment.
“If you love the artists and the events, then show your support the right way—buy tickets. That’s how the industry grows,” he said.
His comments sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting his stance, while others argued that high ticket prices often lock out ordinary Kenyans from attending major events.
Nonetheless, Jalang’o maintained that fair pricing and structured ticketing systems were essential for sustaining a thriving entertainment industry.
Here are some reactions from Kenyans:
Naini Naini: The same thing we feel when we see our taxes in sacks ferried for campaigns
Mungai Eve: Address them in local dialect hao ni wajaluo wenzako. Tukisema watu watahiri mnawatetea
Nixon Nyamboga: I wish you could have spoken when your salary was being increased by 366k when the decimal workers are earning like peanuts
Robert Njuguna: If we follow your thoughts, all those leaders who are richer than their salary plus their others income accumulation should be in jail. You can’t be richer than your all incomes. It’s Kenyan tax
Amos Mwasaru: The same way your government has occupied our payslips… draconian. I don’t support but that’s how we feel us taxpayers.
Hon Benson Okwako: In the constitution we have a freedom called ,freedom of movement ,so Kenyans have executed what is in the constitution ,Nyayo stadium is a public asset ,so any Kenyan can access it
Ruth Ndaliro: I did an event in Sio port last December and someone started a rumour ati i want to give sacrifice of the people who’ll attend, well they really didn’t come, after paying Stivo simple boy 
Wacha nilie kwanza I’m still recovering, but mungu yuko! But I’ll never do an event place sio kwetu again.
With Kenya’s entertainment sector growing rapidly, his remarks serve as a wake-up call for fans to contribute meaningfully rather than expecting freebies. The debate over ticket pricing and accessibility is likely to continue, but one thing remains clear—event organizers need support to continue delivering top-quality experiences.
