The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has issued a warning to Standard Group media.
In a statement, the ODM party has accused the media house of sustaining a smear campaign against the former Prime Minister.
“The Orange Democratic Movement has taken note of the sustained smear campaign by The Standard Newspapers against the Party’s leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, and has now been extended against his entire family.
We note that The Standard is determined to negate, demean and destroy the known acts of sacrifice, nationalism and patriotism that Rt. Hon. Odinga has undertaken at great personal risk to himself and his family, for the betterment of this nation,” part of the statement read.
ODM Issues Warning to Standard
Additionally, the ODM stated that it will issue a comprehensive statement on way forward regarding its relationship with the Mombasa Road based media house.
“We wish to assure the party supporters who have been expressing alarm and shock at the smear campaign by the Standard Group that the leadership will be issuing a comprehensive statement and guidance on this development tomorrow, May 6, 2025. The statement will guide our relationship with the Group,” read the statement.
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ODM’s statement comes after the Standard Group published a story on Monday, May 5, 2025, with the headline “Our Turn to Eat,” in which the former Prime Minister is accused of turning moments of national crisis into personal political capital by rewarding his inner circle, including members of his family.
“From protest to privilege: He has long branded himself as the people’s champion, “Baba” – the voice of the downtrodden. But time and again, Raila Odinga has turned moments of national crisis into personal political capital with rewards for his inner circle,” part of the news paper excerpt read.
Odinga Accused of Turning Moments of National Crisis into Personal Political Capital
Additionally, the Standard newspaper posed a question to its readers, asking whether the former Prime Minister’s actions reflect statesmanship or strategic self-interest activism.
Moreover, the Mombasa Road-based media house highlighted how members of the Odinga family have benefited from the former Prime Minister’s political alliances, including his recent broad-based agreement with President William Ruto.
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These beneficiaries include Oburu Oginga, Raila’s brother, who now chairs the Senate Energy Committee; Wenwa Akinyi, Raila’s sister, who was appointed by President Ruto as Chairperson of the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute; Jaoko Oburu, Raila’s nephew who was recently appointed as President Ruto’s advisor on economic affairs; and Winnie Odinga, Raila’s daughter, who currently serves as an EALA MP after being endorsed by Parliament.
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