Raila Accuses Standard Newspaper of Smear Campaign, Warns of Unknown Action

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has accused The Standard Newspaper of orchestrating a smear campaign against its leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, and his family.

In a statement issued by ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen on Monday, the party condemned the newspaper for a story published in its latest edition titled ‘Our Turn to Eat,’ which alleged that several of Odinga’s relatives secured senior government positions following a March political agreement with President Ruto.

Ong’wen described the report as an attempt to “negate, demean, and destroy” Odinga’s legacy of sacrifice, nationalism, and patriotism, which he said came at great personal risk to Odinga and his family.

The article featured a photo of Odinga alongside his brother Oburu, daughter Winnie, and other relatives, questioning whether Odinga’s actions reflect statesmanship or “strategic self-interest activism.”

It accused Odinga of using national crises to advance personal and familial interests, despite his public image as a champion of the people.

Speaking from ODM’s offices at Chungwa House in Nairobi, Ong’wen assured party supporters that a comprehensive statement detailing the party’s relationship with the Standard Group Limited will be issued on Tuesday, May 6.

The statement is expected to provide guidance on how ODM will address the media house moving forward.

The Standard Group has faced scrutiny from political circles for its hard-hitting exposés on Kenya’s political system.

Recently, the media house has been embroiled in a legal battle with the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) over a Ksh43 million debt.

The CA had threatened to revoke Standard Group’s broadcasting licenses, a move the company called a politically motivated attempt to silence its critical reporting on the Kenya Kwanza government.

On April 15, the High Court issued a temporary order halting the CA’s actions until the matter is heard on May 2, 2025.

ODM’s accusations mark a new escalation in tensions between political leaders and media houses in Kenya, raising questions about press freedom and political accountability as the country navigates a complex political landscape.