Politics has a way of reviving old wounds, and in Homa Bay, the past is finding its way back into the present. Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo recently raised concern that deputy governor Oyugi Magwanga was dragging past rivalries into the upcoming Kasipul by-election.
Her remarks, centered on the late Ong’ondo Were’s family, quickly sparked heated reactions. Should old political grudges be allowed to shape the future of an entire constituency?
Millie cautioned against turning the by-election into a replay of battles fought years ago. She suggested that targeting the late MP’s son carried echoes of unresolved enmity, something she believed could harm the spirit of unity that the people of Kasipul need at this moment.
Her comments were widely shared, with Tuko reporting that she was calling for restraint and moral leadership in how political disagreements are handled.
Her post, however, did not sit well with Magwanga’s supporters. Many accused her of interfering in Kasipul matters and insisted that every leader has a right to campaign and express opinions. The backlash spilled online, where some argued that Millie’s statements made it look as though she was trying to protect certain political families.
Others felt she was right to speak out, noting that dragging past grudges into new campaigns could divide voters unnecessarily. More details of the reactions were shared through Tuko’s coverage.
Millie’s intervention highlights a challenge faced in many parts of Kenya: balancing respect for political history while allowing new leaders to chart their own paths. Her warning served as a reminder that politics should not be about settling old scores but about guiding communities toward growth and stability.
By Nairobi