“Not An Audition To Be Your Girlfriend:” Winnie Odinga Claps Backs Over Dress Code After It Goes Viral
Image: Raila Odinga’s last born daughter - WinnieEast African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Winnie Odinga has set social media ablaze after delivering a brutally sharp, witty comeback to a nosy netizen who attempted to police her fashion choices, earning her widespread praise across digital platforms.
The viral exchange erupted on Instagram after Winnie shared a moving Mother’s Day tribute. The post featured a heartwarming photograph of herself alongside her mother, Ida Odinga, attending a formal public function. However, instead of focusing on the familial milestone, an online troll with the handle @beyon.cemagdalena decided to scrutinize the lawmaker’s wardrobe, bluntly asking why she constantly dresses “like a guy.”
Refusing to let the unsolicited critique slide, the outspoken politician shut down the user with a flawless, quick-witted Swahili retort that completely dismantled the critic’s entitlement.
“Hizi ni nguo za kazi, si za audition ya kuwa dem wako,” Winnie fired back, which translates to: “These are work clothes, not an audition to be your girlfriend.”
The devastating burn instantly captured the attention of internet users and was quickly packaged into a viral TikTok trend. A widely circulated video juxtaposed a screenshot of the digital exchange with footage of Winnie articulating points during a high-level panel discussion. In the video, the East African MP is seen looking relaxed yet professional in a white button-down shirt, a tan quilted vest, and jeans, seated in front of a “BADILI” branded backdrop—signaling an African advocacy or women’s empowerment conference.
Highlighting the utter humiliation of the original commenter, the TikTok video was captioned in contemporary street slang: “Comeback zimeenda group of schools”—a popular phrase used to mock an opponent’s juvenile logic while laughing at them for getting thoroughly schooled by a superior wit.
Netizens, particularly young African women and feminist advocates, have overwhelmingly rallied behind Winnie, applauding her for refusing to conform to superficial societal standards of how female leaders “should” look. Commentators praised her ability to prioritize comfort, functionality, and professional focus at work conferences over the male gaze, solidifying her reputation as a modern leader who refuses to be boxed in by outdated patriarchal expectations.
