The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued a strongly worded statement condemning the Standard Newspaper for what it terms a “continued campaign of misinformation” against the party and its leader, H.E. Raila Odinga.
In a press release signed by ODM Secretary General Sen. Edwin Sifuna, the party expressed disappointment over a headline in the day’s edition of the Standard, which labeled Raila Odinga a “betrayer of the Gen Z.” ODM accused the Standard Media Group of running a sustained propaganda campaign aimed at coercing political leaders into aligning with the interests of the media house’s ownership.
“The Standard is pursuing a propaganda campaign disguised as journalism,” the statement read, adding that the media outlet has “trained its guns on the leadership of ODM” in an attempt to manipulate the party’s political stance.
The party also addressed the context of the 2024 Gen Z protests, emphasizing that the demonstrations were a spontaneous, youth-led movement demanding the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024. ODM reiterated that Raila Odinga had no involvement in organizing the protests, which were marked by police brutality and loss of life.
“Many of these young people lost their lives or were maimed. The ODM party leadership has firmly stated that there was no involvement whatsoever by our leader H.E. Raila Odinga in those protests,” the statement clarified.
ODM further distanced itself from the Kenya Kwanza government, asserting that its policy engagements are aimed at promoting peace and development, not political alignment.
“ODM is not part of the Kenya Kwanza government. It is therefore misleading for anyone, including our competitors, to suggest otherwise,” the party stated.
As the anniversary of the Gen Z protests approaches, ODM called on Kenyans to uphold national unity and resist divisive narratives. The party reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful protest and democratic expression.
“We urge all those who will turn out to commemorate the anniversary this Wednesday to fearlessly stand on the side of freedom and democracy,” said Sen. Sifuna.
The statement concluded with a firm rejection of what ODM described as “falsehoods, innuendos, and half-baked narratives” aimed at distorting public perception of Raila Odinga.
