A viral video shows MP Millie Odhiambo dancing after being introduced by President Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet.
A video showing Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo dancing on stage after being introduced by President Ruto’s close aide, Farouk Kibet, has gone viral and attracted criticism. The clip, which was taken during a public function, shows Kibet handing the microphone to Odhiambo, who responds with a dance that excites the crowd.
What began as a cheerful moment has now triggered widespread debate on how female politicians are perceived and treated in Kenya.
Many Kenyans online expressed discomfort with the scene, arguing that it reduced Odhiambo, a seasoned lawmaker, to a performer rather than a serious public figure. They questioned why women leaders are often placed in situations that invite ridicule or objectification.
Activist and commentator Alinur Mohammed didn’t hold back in his criticism.
“Millie should know better. Leaders like her should be rejecting this kind of nonsense, not dancing to it,” he posted.
On platform X, users accused Kibet of using his influence to turn respected leaders into sources of amusement.
“A female MP has been sexually objectified, but she doesn’t know it,” one user wrote. “Then we wonder why our girls have no protection.”
Another user commented:
“How powerful is Farouk Kibet that he can ask Millie to dance and she obeys without hesitation?”
This isn’t the first time Kibet has been accused of making uncomfortable or inappropriate remarks involving women in leadership. In the past, he has been criticised for his comments about Nominated MP Sabina Chege and Lamu Woman Rep Monicah Muthoni, where he reportedly focused on their physical features or joked about romantic interests from men.
Such repeated behaviour has led to growing calls for senior political figures to treat women leaders with dignity.
The incident has also prompted comparisons to the legacy of women who helped shape Kenya’s political landscape, women like Wangari Maathai, Phoebe Asiyo, and Orie Rogo Manduli, who were known for their resilience, strength, and dignity.
Many feel the current state of political engagement falls short of the standards these pioneers set, and are now urging both male and female politicians to speak out against any form of sexism or degradation in the public space.
This moment has sparked a serious conversation about how Kenya views and treats its women leaders. While some may view the video as harmless fun, the deeper message many see is one of continued struggle for equality and respect in the country’s political sphere.
Watch video https://x.com/i/status/1949019437572423729
