The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has come out strongly to refute claims that party leader Raila Odinga is losing political grip in his Nyanza stronghold. This follows recent reports suggesting waning support, sparked by isolated incidents during the burial of Albert Ojwang’, a 31-year-old teacher and blogger who died in police custody last month.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ODM national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga condemned the claims as “unnatural, detestable, and a disservice to the truth.” She criticised a local publication for allegedly misreporting the funeral event to promote a false narrative of Raila’s declining popularity.
“Our attention has been drawn to the continued misrepresentation of facts… aimed at promoting the narrative that Raila Odinga is losing popularity in his backyard of Nyanza,” Wanga said.
She clarified that the funeral, though emotionally charged, remained peaceful and united Kenyans from all regions in mourning. “The emotions among mourners were palpable, but the service and interment were conducted peacefully, defying earlier predictions of chaos,” she added.
Wanga also emphasized that the late Ojwang’s burial was a national event, not just a regional one, with mourners attending from across the country—from the Coast, where he worked, to Nairobi and his native Homa Bay.
Reaffirming Raila’s stature, Wanga described him as a “distinguished Statesman” whose legacy and contribution to Kenya’s democratic journey remain unparalleled. “His consistent fight for justice, sacrifices to lead, reconcile, and bridge divides in our society like no one else are undeniable,” she said.
Addressing the broader political landscape, Wanga pointed to ODM’s recent grassroots elections as proof of the party’s continued strength and national reach. She also defended the party’s working agreement with President William Ruto’s UDA, positioning it as part of a broader unity agenda.
While affirming respect for media freedom, Wanga warned against sensational and misleading reporting, asserting that such tactics distort ODM’s mission and Raila’s legacy.
“The time for accountability is now,” she concluded.
