ODM leaders on Saturday engaged in a war of words after Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo confronted first-time MCA Robert Alai regarding his controversial sentiments about late Raila Odinga's daughter Winnie Odinga.
Millie Odhiambo issued a warning to Alai in response to the MCA's controversial remarks targeting Winnie Odinga after her speech at the ODM at 20 celebrations even in Mombasa.
On Saturday, Alai courted controversy by questioning Winnie's political experience and influence within ODM party, criticising senior party members for allowing the late prime minister's daughter to lecture them.
In response, Millie Odhiambo retorted by warning Alai against his apparent disregard for women leaders.
"Before I finish, I would like to warn the person who attacked Winnie Odinga. I am a defender of women, and I want to say this, Alai, you like harassing women, but where Millie is, we will deal with you head-on," the lawmaker warned.
The MP reiterated Winnie remained a central figure in the Odinga family and should thus be treated with respect, describing the EALA MP as "the heart of Baba".
Furthermore, Odhiambo criticised the timing of Alai's comments, describing them as culturally insensitive given that the Odinga family were still in mourning.
The dispute between the two leaders escalated onto social media, where Alai linked certain leaders to Winnie Odinga's earlier allegations that some ODM leaders were secretly plotting to 'sell the party'.
However, in a rejoinder Facebook post, Odhiambo reiterated her comments, accusing the MCA of having a tendency to attack female leaders.
She said, “Robert Alai, you are used to attacking women and getting away with it… Winnie did not attack Governor Gladys Wanga. You are in fact implicitly attacking Wanga,” she wrote. “It is exactly one month since Winnie lost her dad. It is uncouth and uncultured to attack her… Bring it on. I am waiting.”
The altercation came amid growing tensions within ODM, as tens of the party's leaders convened at the coast for the commemoration of two decades of the party.
In a separate incident, more cracks emerged after Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino appeared to call out the party's new top leadership as he questioned why he was overlooked for a position within the party.
