Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has called on Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu to change her tactics following the detention of Kenyan lawyers who had travelled to attend the court proceedings of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
In a statement shared on her Facebook page on Monday, May 19, 2025, the Suba North MP noted that President Suluhu was tainting her global image by blocking lawyers and activists from supporting Lissu.
“Let Tundu Lisu get his supporters. You have your own. Use the natural nurturing and caring roles to hold one to account but without bending rules. I am not giving up on you. You carry a torch beyond Tanzania. You are me. I am you. We are women. Let’s do different,” read part of Millie Odhiambo’s statement.
Some Kenyans online expressed support for Suluhu, adding that she only needs to practice democratic principles when running the country.
On the other hand, some called her out, noting that the actions against the Kenyan lawyers were dictatorial.
“Call a spade a spade. She has shown her true character, and that’s the start of her downfall. Wake up, Madam Samia Suluhu Hassan, redeem yourself else History will judge you harshly,” Jimmy Kereri commented.
Odhiambo, commonly referred to as “Bad Gal” explained that she was pleased when President Suluhu specifically asked to talk to her.
“That is how I met her. It is in this spirit of a buddie that I acknowledge leadership is not easy. It is in this space that we shall watch your back and also seek to straighten paths that may be bending or mending,” she explained.
She further emphasized that it does not cost anything for people, especially human rights lawyers and activists to stand with Tundu Lisu while he is undergoing trial.
In addition, the MP noted that it costs President Suluhu a bad image when she picked the masculine approach to leadership that is oppressive.
“Please make us proud. Do us proud. Do different. Be different. The nurturing and caring roles have been seen as a weakness, but are indeed strengths.”
Her remarks emerged a few hours after former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, activist Hanifa Adan and Hussein Khalid were detained at the Julius Nyerere International Airport in Tanzania.
They had travelled to the neighbouring country in solidarity with detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges.
This comes a day after People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and two Kenyan lawyers were denied entry into Tanzania and deported to Nairobi.
