ODM Accuses The Standard of Smear Campaign Against Raila Odinga: "Determined to Negate Sacrifice"

• The Orange Democratic Movement accused The Standard newspaper of running a sustained smear campaign targeting party leader Raila Odinga and his family
• ODM claimed the newspaper's coverage seeks to "negate, demean and destroy" Odinga’s legacy of nationalism and sacrifice for Kenya’s progress
• The party promised to issue a comprehensive statement on May 6 that will guide its relationship with the Standard Group moving forward

TUKO.co.ke journalist Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

A fresh political-media standoff is brewing after the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) accused The Standard newspaper of running a calculated smear campaign against party leader Raila Odinga and his family.

In a statement released on Monday, May 5, and signed by ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen, the party condemned what it described as “a sustained smear campaign” aimed at discrediting Odinga’s personal and political legacy.

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The opposition party alleged that the newspaper has consistently published content designed to erode the statesman’s contributions to the country’s democratic and social progress.

“The Orange Democratic Movement has taken note of the sustained smear campaign by The Standard newspaper against the party’s leader, Raila Odinga, and which has now been extended against his entire family,” the statement read.

What did ODM say to The Standard over headlines about Raila?

According to ODM, the media house’s coverage is not just critical but intentionally malicious, targeting the very foundations of Odinga’s image as a patriot and reformist.

“We note that The Standard is determined to negate, demean and destroy the known acts of sacrifice, nationalism, and patriotism that Raila has undertaken at great personal risk to him and his family, for the betterment of this nation,” the statement added.

The party also responded to growing concern from its base, acknowledging the outcry from supporters who feel that the former prime minister is under unfair attack.

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ODM called for calm and assured its followers that the party leadership is actively addressing the matter.

“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,” the statement continued.

ODM said the awaited statement would serve as a key moment in defining its future relationship with The Standard Group, potentially affecting media access and collaboration moving forward.

This comes after the publication ran a provocative sub-headline targeting Raila titled “Our Turn to Eat.”

The piece accused Raila of portraying himself as a champion of the people while allegedly using moments of national crisis to build personal political capital, ultimately rewarding only those within his inner circle.

As of the time of publication, The Standard Group had not responded publicly to the accusations.

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What did State House say about The Standard's Mungiki claims?

In a related story previously covered by TUKO.co.ke, State House strongly rebuked The Standard newspaper over claims linking the outlawed Mungiki group to President William Ruto’s tour of the Mt. Kenya region.

The Presidential Communication Service (PCS) accused the publication of “reckless journalism” and spreading misinformation, dismissing the allegations as baseless and irresponsible.

The controversy stemmed from a front-page story published on March 31 in The Standard, which alleged that Mungiki was involved in planning Ruto’s visit.

State House rejected this claim, clarifying that the visit was coordinated through structured engagements between regional governors, national government officials, and other relevant stakeholders.

In addition, the PCS hinted at the possibility of legal action if the newspaper continued with such narratives.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke