Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has cautioned Deputy President William Ruto against holding political grudges for too long.
Speaking on K24’s Punch ine show on Sunday evening, the MP accused Ruto of holding political grudges over comments she perceives targets her community.
Odhiambo was responding to a question asked on what she thinks of DP Ruto’s ability to lead Kenya in 2022.
“I would say Ruto needs to work on certain issues. He holds grudges…He needs to stop talking about hawa watu wa kung’oa reli (these people who usually uproot the railway lines). As a person who is a political leader, you should not target ethnic communities like he has been doing” stated Odhiambo.
Kiguta: What is your punchline?
Millie: I support the handshake…I would say DP Ruto needs to work on certain issues. He holds grudges…He needs to stop talking about "hawa watu wa kung'oa reli."#MillieOdhiamboOnPunchline pic.twitter.com/p4XqakJ3qq
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) October 13, 2019
The vocal legislator maintained that all political leaders, especially those who are yearning to lead the country like Ruto should always strive at uniting Kenyans rather than dividing it through unfortunate remarks.
“When you are in politics, there is no rearview mirror. In the last election, I did say unpleasant things against Uhuru but now I saying nice things about him,” added Ms Odhiambo.
He challenged Ruto to emulate ODM party leader, Raila Odinga, who had put aside his 2017 political differences with President Uhuru Kenyatta and embraced the handshake for the sake of peace in the country.
She reiterated her support for the handshake saying it was all about harmony and good working relations as opposed to political gains that some leaders have been insinuating.
“The handshake is about retreating. It is about not fighting. Politics is in the future. The handshake is working,” communicated Odhiambo.
The MP, however, dismissed claims that the upcoming Kibra by-election was a litmus test for the handshake between President Kenyatta and Raila, instead terming the mini poll as a test to gauge IEBC’s integrity and transparency in conducting the exercise.
“I don’t think the Kibra by-election will be a litmus test for the handshake. It’s more of a test for the IEBC. The focus is on the IEBC,” she added.
Kiguta: Do you think the Kibra race is going to be a litmus test for the handshake?
Millie: I think it is more of a litmus test for IEBC than for the handshake. The focus is on the IEBC. #MillieOdhiamboOnPunchline pic.twitter.com/qOD80GsM68
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) October 13, 2019
Asked about her penchant for political drama, specifically on trading insults with Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, the ODM MP said she is not a “Michelle Obama.”
“When you go low, I go lower…think what you want of me, I don’t care,” said the Suba North MP, terming Sonko’s recent theatrics abroad as a distraction to the ills bedeviling Nairobi County.
Odhiambo also promised to continue fighting for women’s place in leadership until the two-third gender law is implemented.
“When you see me taking on male leaders, it is because the law is not being implemented. The other day I saw a male MP abusing Rachel Shebesh, calling her a m*****” continued Odhiambo.
Millie Odhiambo: When you see me taking on male leaders, it is because the law is not being implemented. The other day I saw a male MP abusing Rachel Shebesh, calling her a m*****.#MillieOdhiamboOnPunchline pic.twitter.com/5EWaq7LFfn
— K24 TV (@K24Tv) October 13, 2019