By Nyang’au Araka
Suba North legislator and Minority Whip Millie Mabona Odhiambo has never been one to shy away from controversy.
The self-styled “bad girl” has built a political career on speaking her mind, challenging convention and refusing to be confined by expectations.
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Behind the fearless public persona is a story of perseverance, resilience and political success that continues to inspire a new generation of women leaders.
Among those drawing inspiration from Odhiambo’s journey is nominated Senator Essy Okenyuri, who recently spent time with the veteran legislator reflecting on leadership, politics and the realities of public service.
“The Minority Whip, or as she fondly calls herself, the ‘bad girl’, is a force to reckon with,” Okenyuri said.
“She often says that good girls never get the corner office. Whether that proposition is true remains debatable, but her own journey stands as evidence that boldness, determination and an unapologetic commitment to one’s convictions can indeed propel a person to the highest places.”
For Okenyuri, the meeting was more than a courtesy call. It was an opportunity to learn from a woman whose political path mirrors aspects of her own.
Like Okenyuri, Odhiambo first entered Parliament through nomination, joining the House in 2007 before the promulgation of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
Rather than remaining in that space, she successfully transitioned into elective politics, winning the then Mbita parliamentary seat before going on to represent Suba North.
Since entering elective politics in 2013, Odhiambo has never lost an election, a feat that has cemented her place among Kenya’s most successful female politicians.
“Her story resonates deeply with me because she too began her parliamentary journey as a nominated Member before transitioning into elective politics,” Okenyuri said.
“Through consistency and hard work, she won the confidence of her constituents and has continued to earn their trust over successive terms.”
Their conversation also centred on Odhiambo’s book, Rig or Be Rigged?, a candid reflection on the realities of Kenyan politics.
In the book, she explores the often harsh and complex world of political competition, arguing that success requires resilience, strategy and a clear understanding of the rules — both written and unwritten — that shape the political arena.
As a fitting conclusion to the meeting, Odhiambo presented Okenyuri with a copy of the book.
“I consider it more than just a book,” Okenyuri said.
“It is a practical guide to the realities of Kenyan politics, offering valuable insights into the unwritten rules of the political arena. It underscores the importance of resilience, perseverance and the delicate balance between ethical principles and the often harsh realities of political life.”
For Okenyuri, the encounter reinforced the value of learning from those who have successfully navigated the turbulent waters of public leadership.
Word has it that she is building a solid base to bag the Kisii Woman Representative seat in the next General Elections.
“It was truly an honour to learn from one of Kenya’s most accomplished legislators — a decorated parliamentarian, a trailblazer and a woman whose story continues to inspire generations of leaders,” she said.
