Sonko meets his match in Millie Odhiambo as war of words heats up

Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko seems to have met his match after angering Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo with his comments on deadbeat fathers.

Their war of words escalated on Sunday as the two engaged in heated back and forth on Facebook.

Governor Sonko's remarks on Thursday during the memorial service for the late Kibra MP Ken Okoth, when he declared publicly that Okoth had had a child with a Nairobi MCA, were not well received by Ms Odhiambo.

In response over the Thursday remarks, Ms Odhiambo criticised the Nairobi governor accusing him of lacking respect and seeking to embarrass Okoth's grieving widow.

Mr Sonko claimed that Ms Anne Thumbi, the Nairobi nominated ward representative, had a secret affair with Okoth.

“Just because he did the through pass, a former team of his, rug tag outfit, (Rescue whatever) nominated her to the Assembly. That does not give him any right to embarrass Monica without much thought on national TV and audience," said Ms Odhiambo on her Facebook page on Friday.

But on Sunday morning, Mr Sonko escalated the row even further by giving a hotline number for women to call if their 'deadbeat" lawmakers have evaded responsibility.

“If speaking the truth is what you call Bonga points, let it be. This habit of leaders [MPs, governors and senators] having extramarital affairs and children outside wedlock and then disowning them must come to end,” Mr Sonko said.

Incensed by Sonko's Sunday remarks, Ms Odhiambo told of the governor calling him a bully.

"My good friend and young brother Sonko, let me tell you something, I am a lawyer — an intellectual if you may.... I am NEVER intimidated by bullies like you who thrive on populism devoid of intellect that often slut-shames women. My response to you will be both intellectual and ..... You can hire a lawyer to translate for you the intellectual bit," fired back the Suba North MP.

"Unlike you, I do not just yap at funerals. I pass laws that protect all children, including children who are like Ken Okoth's son. Go to the Hansard. You will find that I, Wakili Millie Odhiambo, pushed for Article 53 of the Constitution that protects Ken Okoth's son. Once the DNA confirms that he is Ken Okoth's son, he will be entitled under the succession law, to inherit from Ken's estate. He is protected. He is covered."

Mr Sonko had told the Suba North MP that she has no moral authority to lecture him on marital matters. 

“We must speak for the majority voiceless women [wanjikus] in this country including orphans, widows, divorcees, single-mothers and all the so called slay queens. Sonko said on his official Facebook page.

The governor dismissed Millie and nominated Senator Isaac Mwaura for claiming he was seeking publicity.

In his latest response, Sonko told tha Suba North MP to respect single mothers who struggle with their kids as fathers go missing.

"My sister Millie Mabona Odhiambo, in as much as I fight for the rights of the silent majority women who are always major victims in such cases, my response to you is simple, respect single mothers."