Millie Odhiambo
 | |
| Background Information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Millie Grace Akoth Odhiambo Mabona |
| Born | 1 November 1966 (age 2025-1966) Mbita, Homa Bay County, Kenya |
| Nationality | Kenyan |
| Political party | Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) |
| Spouse | Magugu Mabona (m. 2006) |
| Children | Stepmother to 1 daughter |
| Alma mater | University of Nairobi (LLB) |
| Occupation | Politician, Lawyer, Activist |
| Years active | 1990–present |
Millie Grace Akoth Odhiambo Mabona (born November 1, 1966) is a Kenyan lawyer, politician, and human rights activist currently serving as the Member of Parliament for Suba North Constituency. She is known for her bold and outspoken style in the National Assembly and is one of Kenya’s most prominent female politicians.
Early Life and Education[edit | edit source]
Millie Odhiambo was born and raised in Mbita, Homa Bay County, on the shores of Lake Victoria. She is the fourth of eight siblings. Her father, Harrison Odhiambo, was a civil servant who tragically died in a ferry accident on Lake Victoria. From a young age, Millie aspired to become a Member of Parliament, an ambition she openly expressed at just 13 years old.
She attended Homa Bay Girls High School and then proceeded to the University of Nairobi, where she earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree in 1990. She later undertook post-graduate studies in Human Rights Law at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Sweden and short legal courses in Italy and the U.S.
Legal and Advocacy Career[edit | edit source]
Odhiambo began her legal career in the Office of the Attorney General, where she worked in civil litigation. She later moved into the field of human rights law, with a focus on women and children. In 1999, she became the Chairperson of the Coalition on Violence Against Women – Kenya. A year later, she founded CRADLE – The Children Foundation, a legal advocacy NGO that supported children's rights and welfare across Kenya. She served as CRADLE’s Director from 2000 to 2008.
Through CRADLE and other platforms, she championed legal reforms around child custody, juvenile justice, gender-based violence, and women’s representation in leadership. Her efforts received both national and international recognition.
Political Career[edit | edit source]
Millie entered formal politics through the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). In 2007, she was nominated to Parliament by the party. She transitioned to elective politics in 2013 when she won the Mbita Constituency seat (now Suba North) and successfully defended it in the 2017 and 2022 general elections.
Odhiambo is renowned in Parliament for her fiery debates, vocal defense of human rights, and willingness to challenge gender norms. She has served on several parliamentary committees, including Justice and Legal Affairs, and championed numerous bills focused on vulnerable populations.
Legislative Contributions[edit | edit source]
Millie Odhiambo has sponsored and co-sponsored several impactful laws, including:
- The Victim Protection Act (2013) – offering legal rights and psychosocial support to survivors of crime and violence.
- The Assisted Reproductive Technology Bill (2022) – regulating IVF, surrogacy, and fertility treatment in Kenya.
- Amendments to the Children’s Act – improving legal frameworks for guardianship, custody, and juvenile rehabilitation.
She has consistently pushed for affirmative action policies, gender parity, and equitable representation in governance structures.
Personal Life[edit | edit source]
In 2006, Millie married Magugu Mabona, a Zimbabwean national, whom she met online. Their wedding was held on a ferry on Lake Victoria, a symbolic location linked to her father’s death. She is a stepmother to Mabona’s daughter and is open about not having biological children due to health issues involving fibroids and heavy menstruation.
Millie is a practicing Christian and has often credited her faith as a grounding force in her public life. She also actively shares her personal experiences on social media to connect with and inspire young women.
Controversies[edit | edit source]
Odhiambo's blunt demeanor has made her a polarizing figure in Kenyan politics. She has clashed with several male MPs over sexist remarks and is known for her unapologetic use of strong language in parliamentary debates. In 2016, she made headlines for fiercely confronting then-President Uhuru Kenyatta over electoral reforms. While some critics accused her of disrespect, supporters praised her for her courage.
Public Image and Media Presence[edit | edit source]
She is active on social media and uses platforms like Twitter and Facebook to mobilize support, comment on political events, and share personal moments. Her catchphrase "Donge?" (a Luo term