Nairobi, Kenya – The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has strongly condemned The Standard newspaper over a front-page story it published on Monday, May 5, 2025, which spotlighted alleged job placements of Raila Odinga’s family members in President William Ruto’s administration.
Under the provocative headline, “Our turn to eat,” the publication listed relatives of ODM leader Raila Odinga said to have secured public appointments since the handshake and national unity calls. The article quickly ignited public discourse across social media and political circles.
File image: Raila Odinga during a public address in Nairobi
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ODM Accuses Standard of a Political Smear Campaign
In a sharply-worded statement, ODM described the newspaper’s coverage as a “sustained smear campaign” aimed at discrediting Raila’s legacy and moral standing. The party maintained that Odinga’s decades of political sacrifice and statesmanship were now under attack through biased and sensational reporting.
“The Orange Democratic Movement has taken note of the sustained smear campaign by The Standard newspaper against our party leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, now extended to his entire family,” the statement read in part.
“We note with concern that The Standard is determined to negate, demean, and destroy the known acts of sacrifice, nationalism, and patriotism that Odinga has undertaken at great personal risk to himself and his family for the betterment of this nation.”
Media Under Fire Over Raila-Ruto Unity Headlines
This isn’t the first time the publication has drawn fire from political leaders. Just two weeks prior, President Ruto himself blasted the outlet for likening his decision to work with Raila to “Judas betrayal,” referencing the Bible to call for unity instead of divisive narratives.
“Those who don’t know God are telling us in newspapers that unity is betrayal. The devil has a different message against unity in our nation,” Ruto said during a church event in Nairobi.
Earlier, State House issued a scathing rebuke of another Standard headline that linked the President’s Mt. Kenya tour to the outlawed Mungiki sect, terming the report “reckless sensationalism.”
Public Sentiment and Political Polarization
The ODM’s statement is likely to fuel ongoing debates about media freedom, political accountability, and how far is too far in political commentary. While critics argue the media must hold leaders accountable, ODM insists that journalistic fairness and truth should never be compromised for clicks or headlines.
“Our politics may differ, but journalistic integrity must not be sacrificed at the altar of propaganda,” the statement concluded.
The party has urged its supporters and the general public to remain alert and resist efforts to divide the country along personality and family lines.
