Schuller

THE MILLIE ODHIAMBO–GLADYS WANGA FEUD Days after the behind-the-scenes manoeuvres that nearly saw Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo consider joining Edwin Sifuna's Linda Mwananchi Movement, amid allegations of disrespect from ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga, the party's internal tensions have spilled into Millie's political backyard. In a politically charged show of force on Rusinga Island, Suba North Constituency, Gladys Wanga, accompanied by Defence CS Soipan Tuya and Treasury CS John Mbadi, reportedly turned their guns on Millie, branding her a traitor and fence-sitter and questioning why she should be re-elected. The rhetoric was unmistakably hostile, and the political message difficult to miss. Millie was conspicuously absent from the gathering. However, sources indicate that she has not abandoned the possibility of aligning herself with Edwin Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi Movement. Her perceived political independence has reportedly earned her another label within sections of the ODM establishment: a mole. But the intrigue does not end there. There are emerging claims that sections of the party are considering former Raila Odinga aide Silas Jakakimba as a possible alternative, with plans reportedly under way to secure him the ODM ticket for Suba North. If this materialises, it would turn an already simmering disagreement into a direct contest over the party's control of the constituency. What is unfolding in Suba North is increasingly looking like more than a personality clash between two influential ODM women. It is a struggle over political loyalty, party influence and who gets to determine the future of the constituency. Millie will join Edwin Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi Movement, and Gladys Wanga will be defeated at the ballot next year.