Winnie Odinga, a member of the East African Legislative Assembly, has publicly declared that her work as a legislator is not her primary source of income.

On Wednesday of last week, Winnie told the audience in Karen that her primary source of income was digital communications at a luncheon to mark the debut of the cosmetics company Phoina Beauty.

PHOTO | COURTESY Winnie Odinga

"I have been around the world; I have met kings, queens, celebrities and world leaders. I have been a photographer in my past life, a campaign manager, a writer, and now am a CEO of a digital communication firm. I do this side gig where I am the youngest female MP for Kenya in the East Africa Legislative Assembly," said Winnie.

Winnie emphasized the need for self-confidence for all women from all walks of life as she celebrated the success of Phoina Beauty, run by female entrepreneur Phoina Tosha.

Winnie believes that for women to thrive in life, they must be competent and confident.

"We (women) are the only group in this country who are told how to do everything; how to dress, how to look, how to speak, when you should be married and when you should have children. We are the only group that's brought down and controlled every single thing," said Winnie.

PHOTO | COURTESY Winnie Odinga

"In those maandamanos nobody is told how to dress. When I go for political rallies in Marsabit, I have to wear a hijab. When I go to church in Luo Nyanza I must wear a dress and It has to be floored. When I go anywhere the first thing that we are judged on is our appearance but those things only have power as long as we give it to them. Your confidence begins with what you allow people to tell you about yourselves." she added.