Millie Odhiambo Mabona’s Rig or Be Rigged is an audacious account of her experiences as a political leader in Kenya. With unflinching honesty and a dose of biting humor, she brings readers into the folds of her journey, covering the good, the bad, and the downright ugly sides of politics. Structured across six informative and engaging chapters, the book covers the principles of leadership, the realities of political survival, the complexities of running for office, and life beyond the campaign trail. This review shovels into the heart of her narrative, examining her journey—especially as a woman—the principles she espouses, the lessons for the corporate world, and the grit required to stay true in an often unfair system. She promises of a sequel, leaves us eagerly waiting to see her plunge even deeper into her unapologetic narrative.
- The Principles of Political Leadership
Millie Odhiambo Mabona opens her book with a powerful discussion of the values that shape her leadership. For her, being a political leader is not just about ambition—it’s about purpose, service, and resilience. Odhiambo makes it clear from the get-go that integrity isn’t optional, and leadership cannot be divorced from responsibility. She writes, “Leadership is not about being adored; it’s about being impactful.” She introduces readers to the principles that have shaped her political journey—courage, empathy, and most notably, humility.
Her philosophy of leadership is rooted in being connected with the people. Millie shares stories of visiting her constituents, sitting on low benches, and enjoying a simple cup of tea. For her, this is not a photo opportunity but an essential way to understand the needs of her community. “If you cannot sit on a bench in the village and drink tea with your constituents, you have no business representing them,” she quips. This chapter offers aspiring leaders a stark reminder: leadership is about staying grounded, being available, and always remembering why you chose this path in the first place.
- Realpolitik: The Unwritten Rules of Political Leadership
In this chapter, Millie Odhiambo unearths the reality of politics—the side that doesn’t make it into the campaign posters or motivational speeches. She introduces readers to realpolitik, the dirty, pragmatic side of political leadership. Her reflections are filled with lessons from her own experiences—often humorous, but equally sobering.
Millie recounts an incident when someone told her, “In this game, you either rig or be rigged.” Her answer was as sharp as her resolve: “Well, if they are rigging, I am here to disrupt their rigging machine!” This statement embodies her tenacity in the face of overwhelming odds.
Millie explains that in order to survive politically, sometimes you have to be pragmatic. She writes, “You can’t fight the system with clean hands, but you can fight it with cleaner intentions.” She acknowledges that even the most idealistic leaders must navigate a terrain filled with alliances, strategic compromises, and morally grey decisions. This chapter is essential reading for those who think politics is solely about high-minded principles—it is about principles, but it’s also about understanding the game and playing it smarter than your opponent.
- Entry into Politics: Breaking Barriers
In the third chapter, Millie opens up about her journey into politics. It was a journey filled with obstacles—being a woman in a male-dominated arena, being constantly questioned, and facing ridicule not just from opponents but even from within her community. However, her entry into politics was a deliberate and purposeful choice.
Millie describes the different approaches to getting into the political arena—each tailored to one’s personality and circumstances. For her, it was a blend of passion, opportunity, and meticulous planning. This chapter also reflects on mentorship and its role in her journey. Millie recalls how having mentors in her life—especially other strong women—provided her the courage and strategy needed to kickstart her political career.
“Mentorship saved me from walking blindly into the fire,” she writes. Millie credits her mentors for preparing her for the pitfalls of politics, emphasizing that having seasoned advisors is crucial for anyone aspiring to join the political space.
- Rearing to Go: Strategy is Everything
In Rearing to Go: Having a Clear Strategy, Millie breaks down the importance of strategy in politics. Politics, she says, is like playing chess—if you lack a strategy, you will certainly be defeated by those who do.
She describes her own strategies when deciding to run for office. From developing a campaign slogan that resonated with the masses to being well-prepared for the kind of mudslinging that inevitably comes in politics, Millie emphasizes the importance of being ready. “In politics, assume your opponent is three steps ahead. That way, when they show up with a dagger, you already have a shield.” This chapter is full of practical advice, particularly for first-time candidates. Whether it’s assembling a team of skilled individuals or understanding voter demographics through research, Millie is clear—political success is rarely accidental.
Research also plays a significant role in her approach. Millie discusses how data-driven decisions have helped her not only during campaigns but also while serving in office. “Don’t assume you know what people want—ask them,” she insists, emphasizing the importance of surveys, community meetings, and truly listening to constituents to tailor one’s campaign effectively.
- On the Campaign Trail: Humor, Heartbreak, and Triumph
Millie invites readers onto the campaign trail, recounting the highs and lows of running for office. There are moments of pure comedy—like when an opponent attempted to sabotage her rally by releasing a herd of goats into the crowd. Millie recalls: “They thought goats would embarrass me. I turned them into my audience and promised them better grazing fields!” Moments like these display her ability to take challenges in stride and turn the tables to her advantage.
However, the campaign trail also brought hardship. There were sleepless nights, financial challenges, and slanderous attacks. She describes enduring the strain of traveling to remote areas, sometimes risking her safety just to speak with voters. “The mud they threw was endless, but I knew that my mission mattered more than staying clean,” she writes. Millie’s stories from the campaign trail are a testament to her resilience and a candid reminder that running for office is as much about physical endurance as it is about mental fortitude.
- The Real Journey Begins: Life Beyond Elections
Winning the election was just the beginning of the real challenge. In this chapter, Millie talks about the pressures of serving in office—the expectations, the responsibilities, and the loneliness that often comes with leadership. She doesn’t hold back as she describes the gender-based challenges she faced. “In Parliament, if you’re assertive, you’re too loud. If you’re quiet, they say you’re weak. So I decided to be loud—on my terms.”
Millie touches on the infamous bad girl tag, a label she has carried with pride over the years. Known for her fearless pursuit of justice and advocacy on sensitive topics, she often faced backlash from those who felt a woman should know her place. But she didn’t budge. “They call me a bad girl. If that means standing up for what’s right, then I wear that title like a crown,” she declares. The life of a political leader is no fairy tale, but Millie’s unapologetic approach inspires readers to embrace the full scope of what it takes to make a difference.
She speaks about the importance of pushing boundaries, not just for oneself, but for future generations of women. Mentorship, as she emphasizes again, plays a role even after one is elected—building a network of allies and mentors is critical for both survival and effectiveness in the political sphere.
What We’ve Learned: Key Takeaways
- Politics Requires Resilience: Millie’s journey is a testament to the importance of resilience—in politics, corporate, or any leadership role, there are hurdles. You must have the strength to overcome them.
- Women Must Break Barriers: Millie addresses the hurdles faced by women in leadership and challenges the reader to think about what more can be done to support women’s voices in every arena.
- Strategy and Research Matter: Whether running for office or leading a team, Millie’s journey teaches us that research and strategic planning can make all the difference.
- Be Unapologetic: Millie’s fearlessness in being herself and advocating for others is an example that authenticity matters more than fitting in.
- Mentorship Cannot Be Overstated: Having someone who knows the terrain can make the journey more bearable. Whether in politics or corporate life, mentors make a significant impact.
Quotes That Will Make You Laugh (or Think Twice)
- “If they say I’m too loud, it’s because they were too quiet when I was silent.”
- “In politics, if you’re not called corrupt, you’re not working hard enough!”
- “I didn’t join politics to play nice. I joined to play fair—and win.”
- “In Parliament, you either speak up or sit down. I chose to stand up—on the desk if necessary.”
Corporate Babes, This is for You: Lessons from Rig or Be Rigged
Here’s what corporate babes can learn from Millie’s fearless journey:
- Embrace Your Authenticity
In both politics and the corporate world, societal expectations often push women to conform. Millie Odhiambo flips the script. She proudly owns her “bad girl” persona, using it as a strength rather than a weakness. She writes, “They call me a bad girl. If fighting for justice makes me bad, then I am the baddest girl in Parliament.”
Corporate babes can take a cue from Millie: Be yourself, unapologetically. Whether you’re soft-spoken or outspoken, bold or calculated, authenticity is your greatest asset. Trying to fit into someone else’s mold will only hold you back.
- Play the Long Game: Strategy is Everything
Millie emphasizes that politics is like chess—it’s about anticipating moves, staying three steps ahead, and playing your cards wisely. The same holds true for climbing the corporate ladder. In Rig or Be Rigged, Millie writes, “If you show up unprepared, you’re already rigging yourself out of relevance.”
Corporate babes, don’t wing it. Whether it’s a pitch, a negotiation, or a career move, strategy is your superpower. Know your strengths, anticipate obstacles, and always have a plan.
- Develop a Thick Skin: Criticism is a Sign You’re Doing Something Right
Millie’s political career has been rife with criticism, from her bold statements in Parliament to her fierce advocacy for women’s rights. Yet, she doesn’t flinch. “In politics, if you’re not called corrupt, you’re not working hard enough,” she jokes, highlighting the absurdity of baseless accusations.
In the corporate world, criticism is inevitable, especially for women in leadership. Millie’s lesson? Don’t take it personally. Use it as a badge of honor that you’re challenging the status quo. As a corporate babe, your ability to rise above negativity will set you apart.
- Take Risks and Own Your Space
Millie Odhiambo is not afraid to take risks, whether it’s speaking her mind in a hostile Parliament or challenging powerful opponents. Her message to women: Don’t play small. “If you’re in the room, own it. You weren’t invited to decorate the walls.”
Corporate babes, this one’s for you. Take up space in the boardroom. Speak your mind in meetings. Ask for the promotion you deserve. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back.
- Build Your Tribe: Mentorship and Allies are Non-Negotiable
Millie credits much of her success to the mentors and allies who guided her. “Mentorship saved me from walking blindly into the fire,” she writes. Her mentors not only prepared her for the rough terrain of politics but also provided emotional support during her most challenging moments.
In the corporate world, mentorship is just as crucial. Find mentors who can guide you, advocate for you, and help you navigate uncharted waters. Build a tribe of allies who will celebrate your wins and support you through setbacks.
- Do Your Homework: Research is Key
One of Millie’s greatest strengths is her reliance on research. From understanding her constituents’ needs to crafting effective policies, she never acts on assumptions. “Don’t assume you know what people want—ask them. Research is not optional; it’s survival,” she insists.
Corporate babes, take note. Whether you’re pitching an idea, negotiating a deal, or applying for a new role, preparation is everything. Know your numbers, your audience, and your worth. Research will always give you the edge.
- Find Humor in the Chaos
Millie’s sense of humor is one of her most endearing qualities. From turning goats into her “audience” at a sabotaged rally to clapping back at critics in Parliament, she knows how to laugh at life’s absurdities. “They thought goats would embarrass me. I promised them better grazing fields instead!”
In the corporate world, things don’t always go as planned. Deadlines get missed, bosses get cranky, and office politics can drive you mad. Take a page from Millie’s book: Find the humor in the chaos and keep moving forward.
- Reclaim the “Bad Girl” Label
Millie has been branded as a “bad girl” her political career—a label often used to shame outspoken women. Instead of running from it, she owns it. “If being a bad girl means standing up for what I believe in, then I’m proud to wear that crown,” she says.
Corporate babes, reclaim the labels thrown at you. Whether you’re called “bossy,” “aggressive,” or “too ambitious,” don’t let it define you negatively. Redefine it on your terms and use it as fuel to succeed.
What Corporate Babes Can Do Today
- Invest in Your Personal Brand: Like Millie, build a brand that reflects your values and vision. Let people know who you are and what you stand for.
- Speak Up: Don’t wait for permission to share your ideas or challenge outdated practices. Be the voice of change.
- Take Calculated Risks: Whether it’s switching careers, starting a new venture, or taking on a challenging project, don’t let fear hold you back.
- Find Mentors and Allies: Surround yourself with people who inspire you and who can help you navigate challenges.
- Laugh More: Don’t let the pressures of corporate life steal your joy. Find humor in the chaos and use it to stay grounded.
A Call to Action
Millie Odhiambo Mabona’s Rig or Be Rigged is not just a book; it is a powerful call to action. It challenges us to rethink what it means to lead—to be genuine, bold, and unapologetically ourselves. For young women dreaming of making a difference, Millie’s journey is proof that it is possible. For aspiring politicians, it is a roadmap. For the public, it is a reminder of the importance of leadership that serves rather than rules.
She promises a sequel, and given what she’s revealed in Rig or Be Rigged, the anticipation for what comes next is palpable. Will she embrace the Bad Girl title even more? We certainly can’t wait to see Millie take us through the next chapter—to see her go full circle. As she puts it, “The journey is far from over, but every step is worth it. So, rig the system for good or be rigged out of relevance!”
The time is now to embrace the lessons of resilience, integrity, and unapologetic leadership. Will you step into the arena or let the opportunity pass you by?