Millie Odhiambo unveils political book on election rigging, women in leadership

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo releases a political book titled Rig or be Rigged? [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has released a political book titled Rig or be Rigged?

The book, unveiled on Tuesday, October 1, is a dedication to her late mother, Damaris Auma Odhiambo, who she credited for inspiring her entry into politics.

Speaking during an interview on KTN on Wednesday, October 2, Odhiambo noted that election rigging is a widespread expectation in Kenya.

"In our elections in Kenya, you are expected to rig or be rigged, and if you believe the process will be fair, you are at a disadvantage," she said.

Odhiambo explained that while her book advocates for a fairer approach to politics, it also recognises the current political realities in the country.

"There is a third, more difficult option the country should strive for, which is doing things the right way. However, the reality in Kenyan politics is that rigging often prevails," she observed.

Odhiambo also described the book as hopeful, expressing her belief that change will eventually come.

"My book is also a hopeful book that things will eventually change. But as we are looking forward to that change, we do not need to despair; we can look at the glass half full," she said.

The book delves into her experiences as a woman leader, reflecting on issues including campaign violence, especially against women, party nominations and the perception that women must compromise to gain political power.

"The reason I felt compelled to pen our experiences is because when I talk to many women leaders who have been elected, they have faced incredible challenges," Odhiambo explained.

She also shared personal experiences of the dangers women face in politics, recounting the loss of her bodyguard.

"If Millie Odhiambo tells you that her bodyguard, with a name and a family, was killed and I take you through that process, you are putting reality to this big word, violence. It's not just violence; it's something that happens to people and affects lives," she added.

Odhiambo said she wrote the book to expose the harsh realities of politics, including the gender biases women face.

"The gender innuendos that women go through, I decided I will call them as they are. I'm not hiding what women endure to get elected and part of my glass half full is that those things can only change when we break the silence," she said.

The event was attended by notable figures including Narc Kenya leader Martha Karua and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.