A video showing Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo dancing energetically after being introduced by President William Ruto’s close aide, Farouk Kibet, has stirred a storm of criticism online, with many Kenyans accusing the presidential advisor of objectifying women leaders.
In the widely circulated video, Kibet is seen presenting Odhiambo to an excited crowd at a public function. As soon as the legislator receives the microphone, she bursts into animated dance moves, prompting wild cheers from the audience.
But while the crowd seemed entertained, the moment did not sit well with many Kenyans, who viewed it as a demeaning spectacle.
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Critics argue that the incident reinforced a pattern of reducing female politicians to entertainment figures rather than recognizing them as serious leaders.
“This is not leadership, it’s mockery,” lamented one user on X (formerly Twitter). “Our mothers and sisters didn’t break barriers in Parliament for this kind of clownery.”
Political analyst Alinur Mohammed strongly criticized Odhiambo, accusing her of playing into what he called “entertainment politics” and diminishing the stature of women in governance.
“Millie should know better. Leaders like her should be rejecting this kind of nonsense, not dancing to it,” said Alinur, adding that the act undermined the hard-earned respect of women in politics.
This is not the first time Farouk Kibet has faced backlash over his interactions with female leaders.
In a separate incident, he made objectifying remarks about Nominated MP Sabina Chege, drawing attention to her physical features in a manner many found inappropriate.
In yet another rally, Kibet made suggestive comments about Lamu Woman Representative Monicah Muthoni, implying that young men should express romantic interest in her.
The repeated incidents have fueled growing calls for accountability and a cultural shift in how women are treated in the political arena.
“We’ve come too far as a country to still be turning our women leaders into public spectacles,” said a Nairobi-based activist. “This is deeply disrespectful, not just to Millie Odhiambo, but to every woman who has fought for a place in Kenya’s leadership.”
Many online users drew comparisons with iconic Kenyan women leaders of the past — such as Phoebe Asiyo, Wangari Maathai, Orie Rogo Manduli, Grace Ogot, and Marjorie Oludhe — saying current leaders should strive to uphold the standards and dignity those women fought for.
“What happened to substance in leadership?” posed a user named Chris on X. “Kenya no longer has women in leadership. Sad to see how the glass ceilings shattered by our icons have been reduced to this. We need to bring back shame and decorum.”
As the video continues to circulate, it has reignited an important national conversation about the portrayal of women in politics and the urgent need to elevate respect, seriousness, and equality in leadership.