Millie Odhiambo Responds to Reports Linking Her to Dismissal of U.S. Based Kenyan Nurse James Opande

Suba North Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo has dismissed allegations linking her to the alleged dismissal of a U.S.-based Kenyan nurse, James Opande.

In a statement on Thursday, March 19, the vocal lawmaker expressed shock at claims suggesting she played a key role in the dismissal of the nurse from her American job.

Odhiambo publicly distanced herself from accusations that she set Opande up following the circulation of explicit videos allegedly involving Marion Naipei in January this year.

She clarified that she had no direct involvement in any actions taken against the nurse, explaining that the allegations against her were mere propaganda aimed at tainting her reputation.

 According to her, she initially had no idea why she was trending or being dragged into the controversy until she learnt of the accusations from one of the social media posts.

“So I have been told this morning I am trending. I know I have not posted anything major, so I also wonder why. Then I saw questions on my thread on a condolence message. Why did you report Opande?” Millie commented.

“Then I try to figure out who the hell Opande is and where and why I am reporting him anywhere. Then I realise it’s a guy I once posted about on social media in relation to what he was said to have done to a woman,” she added.

She emphasised that her past post regarding Opande was purely based on condemning gender-based violence and not targeted at any individual for personal harm.

The MP insisted that she never influenced Opande’s employer to fire him, stating that if any consequences befell him as a result of online exposure, it was a matter between him and his employer.

“If his employer follows me and makes a decision based on my post, he is free to sue both the employer and me,” she asserted.

Odhiambo maintained that her stance on gender-based violence remains unchanged, reiterating her commitment to speaking out against any form of abuse, regardless of public backlash.

Opande came into the limelight in January this year after an explicit video involving 22-year-old Marion Naipei was circulated online, drawing mixed reactions from Kenyans.