Phelix Odiwuor, also known as Jalang’o, has dismissed suggestions that politicians could face legal action for using the popular Niko Kadi slogan, arguing that there is no legal basis for such claims.
Speaking in a video clip circulating on social media, the Lang’ata Member of Parliament explained that the phrase cannot be protected legally because it is neither registered nor 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 further argued that the phrase is too generic to qualify for legal protection, adding that even if it were to be registered, its simplicity makes it difficult to patent.
“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 similar Swahili expressions such as Niko poa and Niko fiti are widely used in everyday language and therefore cannot realistically be trademarked.
He added that the use of Niko Kadi in political spaces should be viewed as part of public expression rather than a matter for litigation.
The MP also clarified that the phrase mtu ako kadi loosely translates to “someone has a card,” saying it does not automatically refer to voter registration.
He further encouraged young people to register as voters and remain politically engaged ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The remarks come amid growing popularity of the Niko Kadi movement, a Gen Z-driven campaign that has gained traction across Kenya through social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and X.
Originally used to encourage youth voter registration, the slogan has evolved into a wider cultural trend featuring songs, dance challenges, and civic engagement content, with many young people documenting their voter registration journeys online.
While politicians have increasingly adopted the phrase in public rallies and campaigns, some young activists have expressed concern that the movement risks being politicised, insisting it was originally a non-partisan push for civic participation.
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Politics