The spark that fueled Millie Odhiambo’s political ambitions at age 11

 

Millie Odhiambo

Millie Odhiambo, known for her outspoken style in Parliament, has stirred excitement and controversy with her approach.

The MP expresses no regrets about her approach, stating, "I am feisty about it." She believes that drawing attention is essential for being heard, advising women, "You’ve got to be bold to make your voice heard. That’s why I embrace being a 'bad girl.' I don’t conform."

In an interview with Citizen TV Kenya on August 23, the 57-year-old spoke candidly about leadership, youth, and the future.

She noted that good girls often don’t land the top positions, adding, "There are many men who speak like I do, but I’m told, 'Millie, behave. Women shouldn’t act that way.' Men are encouraged to behave like that, but women are not."

Odhiambo has faced calls to tone down her demeanor. "As the mother of the house, I'm expected to behave in a certain way because women should look up to me. Am I supposed to sit in a corner and maintain decorum?" she questioned, addressing criticisms about her being too loud.

Her inspiration to become an MP came at the age of 11, after witnessing Phoebe Asiyo's historic victory over a male opponent.

"When you've lived into your 50s, you don’t just have one defining moment—you have many," Odhiambo reflected. Asiyo’s win against the then Secretary General of KANU and the tears of the defeated male candidate fascinated her.

"I wondered what made Phoebe Asiyo different from other women, why she was able to achieve what others could not."

At that young age, Odhiambo considered a political career, imagining herself as an MP like Asiyo. However, she thought it would require frequent visits to her father’s home in a different constituency to build connections.

Her plans were altered by her Christian upbringing, which instilled the belief that politics was not suitable for good Christian girls. "Eventually, due to my strong Christian background, I felt that politics was not for me, so I withdrew," she said.

BY  MAUREEN WARUINGE