Millie Odhiambo Mabona popularly known as ‘Amillo Gesa Gesa,’ is a Kenyan politician, lawyer, and women’s rights activist. She is known for her outspokenness and is currently the Member of Parliament (MP) for Suba North Constituency, a position she has held since 2013. Millie is a major player in Kenyan politics, particularly in issues of women’s rights, gender equality, and human rights.
How much do you know about her? Here are some little facts we know about Millie Odhiambo.
Little Known Facts About Millie Odhiambo
Early Life
Millie Grace Akoth Odhiambo Mabona was born on November 1, 1966, in Homa Bay, Kenya. Her parents are the late Harrison Odhiambo Opiyo and her mother Damaris Auma Odhiambo. She is the fourth of eight children in the family. Her father was a member of the Nyanza Regional Assembly who sadly perished in a boating accident in 1973, just before he was about to run for Parliament.
This event had a major impact on Millie’s life and aspirations, sparking her interest in politics and campaigning from a young age. Her mother died on August 12, 2011, the day she was scheduled to declare her candidacy for the Mbita constituency.
Education
Millie attended several schools, including Homa Bay Primary and St. Francis Girls Secondary School, where she completed her ‘O’ Level Certificate from 1981 to 1984. She then attended Limuru Girls High School for her ‘A’ Levels in 1985-1986. She earned her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi (1986-1990) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Professional Legal Studies from the Kenya School of Law in 1991. Millie pursued further studies at:
· Raoul Wallenberg Institute, Sweden (1997-1998) – Post Graduate Diploma in Human Rights & Humanitarian Law.
· IDLI, Rome, Italy (1998) – Legal Prevention and Judicial Control of Corruption.
· New York University, USA (2000-2001) – Master of Laws in Public Service Law.
· Les Aspin Center, Washington, D.C., and Marquette University, Wisconsin (1997) – Democracy and Governance.
These educational experiences gave Millie the knowledge and skills to advocate for social justice and legal reform in Kenya.
Professional Career
Odhiambo began her career as a State Counsel in the Attorney General’s office, focusing on civil litigation. Her enthusiasm for human rights pushed her to concentrate on women’s and children’s rights. In 1996, she joined the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) as a legal counsel, representing women in legal matters.
In 1997, she established The CRADLE Children’s Foundation, which promotes children’s rights and provides legal assistance to underprivileged children and women. Under her leadership, The CRADLE established programs to mentor young women and advocate for legal changes to children’s rights.
Political Career
Millie’s political adventure began in 2008 when the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) nominated her for Parliament. She was later elected as a Member of Parliament for the Suba North Constituency in the 2013 general election. Since then, she has been noted for her outspokenness and dedication to advocating for women’s and children’s rights within the legislative framework.
Odhiambo has served on several committees throughout her time in Parliament, including the Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Parliamentary Caucus for Children. She has received recognition for her efforts in drafting legislation promoting gender equality and human rights.
Personal Life
Millie Odhiambo has been married to Magugu Mabona of Zimbabwe since 2006. She is also the stepmother to Mabona’s daughter, Lebo, who lives in Botswana. Despite enduring health complications from uterine fibroids that impaired her ability to conceive, Millie has remained an advocate for women’s health issues. She has a good relationship with Lebo, and they frequently converse over the phone.
Lebo resides in Botswana with her father and mother, but they stay in touch and meet at family gatherings in Zimbabwe, South Africa, or when Millie visits Botswana. During her campaign for the Mbita Constituency seat, Millie was subjected to harsh criticism from male opponents for being barren, which she believes contributed to her mother’s death.
Her mother was profoundly impacted by the rumors, and she was even suggested to drop out of the race. Millie admitted that the abuse of childlessness was the most significant setback in her life, but she overcame it. She underlined that childbirth does not define her and encouraged women to overcome the stigma of being unable to bear children.
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Awards and Recognition
Her mother was profoundly impacted by the rumors, and she was even suggested to drop out of the race. Millie admitted that the abuse of childlessness was the most significant setback in her life, but she overcame it. She underlined that childbirth does not define her and encouraged women to overcome the stigma of being unable to bear children.
