Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo Mabona has weighed in on the ongoing exchange between Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and members of the Odinga family, saying the CS “spoke out of turn” during remarks made in Mombasa but cautioning against personal attacks and the involvement of family members in political disputes.
Millie said Mbadi’s comments may not have been intended to offend, but the impact was nonetheless negative and required reflection.
“Hon Mbadi spoke out of turn in Mombasa for sure. His intention may have been otherwise, but it came out real bad,” she said, adding that leaders should be careful with their choice of words, especially when handling sensitive political matters within ODM.
She urged Mbadi to adopt a more restrained communication approach, saying his current position requires careful engagement and consultation before making public remarks.
“I would urge him to try and speak less and consult more by virtue of the office he holds,” she said.
At the same time, Millie condemned online commentary that she said crossed the line by targeting Mbadi’s wife in political criticism. She said such attacks were unnecessary and unfair in political debate.
“We are entitled to call him out without dragging his wife and other reproductive issues into our opinions,” she said, questioning why women are repeatedly subjected to such treatment in political disagreements.
She pointed to several female leaders who, in recent days, she said have been subjected to similar attacks, including Gladys Wanga, Nereah Oketch, Millie Odhiambo, Winnie Odinga, Ruth Odinga, Betty Murungi, and others.
“Why must women be demonised and sexualised every time we disagree politically?” she posed.
Millie also dismissed suggestions that she was aligned to any internal ODM faction, saying she remains firmly in the party and does not associate with groupings linked to internal divisions.
“I am in ODM, period,” she said, adding that official party records recognise ODM as a single entity despite emerging political labels.
She said she will continue to defend the party’s principles and the Constitution while also holding leaders accountable where necessary, regardless of political affiliation.
Millie further called for unity and restraint in political discourse, urging leaders and supporters to avoid hostility.
“Let us disagree without adding insult. Let us support or oppose intelligently,” she said