ODM Hits Out at Standard Media Over ‘Raila’s Turf Rebels’ Headline

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has strongly criticised the Standard Newspaper over a headline and article titled ‘Raila’s Turf Rebels’, which the party has called misleading, sensational, and disrespectful.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga accused the media house of misreporting and spreading disinformation to falsely portray former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as losing political support in his Nyanza stronghold.

“Our attention has been drawn to the continued misrepresentation of facts and disinformation by the Standard Newspaper, which is aimed at promoting the narrative that the ODM Party leader, the Rt. Hon Raila Odinga, is losing popularity in his backyard of Nyanza,” read the statement.

Wanga singled out the publication’s coverage of the funeral of the late teacher and blogger Albert Ojwang, where the paper described Homa Bay as experiencing political restlessness.

“In Homa Bay, the winds have changed. What was once firm Raila Odinga soil now feels restless – cracked by grief, scorched by betrayal, and stirred by a generation no longer content with silence,” the article read.

The ODM chairperson condemned this characterization, accusing the outlet of politicising a solemn event and distorting the facts.

“This portrayal of the late Albert Ojwang’s funeral as a contestation for popularity is unnatural, detestable, and a disservice to the truth—the very maxim upon which the media operates,” she stated.

Wanga emphasised that the burial had been conducted peacefully and with respect, attracting Kenyans from all walks of life. She rejected the suggestion that the event represented political division or rebellion within ODM.

The party further defended Odinga, calling him a distinguished Statesman whose legacy and sacrifices are etched deeply in Kenya’s political evolution.

“We want to make it clear that the Rt. Hon Raila Odinga is a distinguished Statesman whose contribution to the history of this Nation is undeniable and significant,” the statement read. “His consistent fight for justice, and sacrifices to lead, reconcile, and bridge divides in our society like no one else are undeniable.”

Wanga concluded by affirming ODM’s strength and unity, pointing to the recently concluded national grassroots elections as proof of the party’s broad support across the country.

“ODM is strong and solid, and our recent national grassroots elections reaffirmed our standing as the strongest party in the nation,” she said.

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ODM Hits Out at Standard Media Over ‘Raila’s Turf Rebels’ Headline