The Standard Group has responded to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s statement, issued through the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) on June 23, 2025, dismissing their headline that branded him a “betrayer of Gen Z.”
In a statement published in The Sunday Standard on June 29, 2025, the media house stood by its headline, listing reasons it believes Raila betrayed the youth.
“Argue as you may, but it is a fact that the ODM leader has betrayed the cause. We are publishing this in line with the journalistic principle of the right of reply and in the spirit of fairness, which we strongly believe in. That said, we stand by our stories and have a few questions for the ODM party and its leader, Raila Odinga,” part of the statement read.
Standard Group Defends Its Decision to Label Raila a Betrayer
According to the Mombasa Road-based outlet, one key grievance is that, after the Kenya Kwanza government won the election, Odinga organized protests against President Ruto’s administration—labeling it illegitimate—only to later join the very government he had criticized.
“Strangely, ODM and Raila seem to have forgotten one very important constitutional option in the case of total state failure: forming a transitional government, as allowed under Section 146 of the Constitution.”
“Why has this option been ignored? Or do they believe that unless they are in power, the government isn’t legitimate or stable? Right now, Raila is clearly part of the government. He attends executive retreats, travels in an official motorcade with outriders, walks the red carpet, and enjoys all the benefits of executive power,” the Standard Group said.
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The statement also accused Raila and ODM of defending questionable UDA projects, such as the failed Adani deal, despite benefiting from the broad-based government they now support.
“Isn’t it a betrayal that Raila says nothing while the government he now supports continues to break the law, ignore court orders, allow corruption, silence independent media, give shoot-to-kill orders against innocent people, and waste public funds—spending hundreds of millions on dozens of unnecessary presidential advisers?” the statement read in part.
This government seems to have little respect for ordinary Kenyans. It is also abducting and torturing its own citizens,” the media house added.
Further, the Standard Group argued that Raila has betrayed Gen Z by championing nepotism and cronyism by ensuring that his family members and close friends secure top government positions.
Odinga Urged to Redeem Himself
The media house urged Odinga to redeem himself, warning that if he fails to do so, he will have betrayed the very values he claims to have fought for: a good name, the rule of law, and equality of opportunity, values that Gen Z now upholds.
“It’s time for Kenya to have honest discussions and face our failures. If Raila doesn’t want to be part of this mess, then he should walk away. He should speak out clearly and strongly, not issue weak, confusing statements that only show he is enjoying his place at President Ruto’s table,” the Standard Group stated.
Also Read: Raila Issues Warning to Standard Group
This statement follows ODM’s response to the “betrayer” headline, in which the party accused the Standard Media Group of blackmail and propaganda.
“The Party has noted with disappointment the sensational headline by today’s Standard Newspaper, branding Party Leader H.E. Raila Odinga a betrayer of Gen Z. For some time now, the Standard Media Group has run a campaign to blackmail, intimidate, and force political leaders to take positions consistent with the ownership and management of the company. The Standard is pursuing a propaganda campaign disguised as journalism,” ODM said.
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