The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has criticised the Standard Media Group for what it terms a “sustained smear campaign” against its party leader Raila Odinga and his family.
In a statement released on Monday, May 5, ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen condemned the story published in that day’s Standard newspaper under the headline “Our Turn to Eat,” saying it undermined Odinga’s legacy and contributions to the country.
“The Orange Democratic Movement has taken note of the sustained smear campaign by The Standard against the Party’s leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, now extended to his entire family,” Ong’wen said.
“The Standard is determined to negate, demean and destroy the known acts of sacrifice, nationalism and patriotism that Raila Odinga has undertaken at great personal risk for the betterment of this nation.”
The Standard article alleged that Odinga’s family had benefited from a power-sharing deal with President William Ruto in March, highlighting appointments such as Oburu Odinga’s role as Senate Energy Committee Chair and Winnie Odinga’s position as EALA MP.
The piece questioned whether Odinga’s actions reflected genuine statesmanship or calculated political self-interest:
“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,” the article read.
In response, ODM announced it would issue a comprehensive statement on Tuesday, May 6, detailing its position and future engagement with the media house.
This is not the first time The Standard has faced backlash over its political coverage. Earlier this year, President Ruto also took issue with the publication, indirectly criticising a headline that suggested his alliance with Odinga amounted to a betrayal of Kenyans.
“Those telling us through newspapers that unity is betrayal… How shameful and tragic,” Ruto said at the time, adding, “May the devil be defeated.”
