Opposition leader Raila Odinga is expected to issue a detailed statement on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in response to what his party has termed a sustained smear campaign allegedly orchestrated by a local daily. The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has expressed deep concern over what it described as targeted attacks not only on Odinga himself but also on his family.
According to ODM Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen, the campaign appears designed to tarnish Odinga’s legacy and discredit his decades of political sacrifice and patriotism. “The paper is determined to negate, demean, and destroy the known acts of sacrifice, nationalism, and patriotism that Odinga has undertaken at great personal risk to him and family for the betterment of this nation,” Ong’wen said in a statement.
While the ODM did not name the media outlet in its latest statement, it comes amid long-standing tensions between Odinga and The Star, a publication owned by the Radio Africa Group. In March 2023, Odinga had called for a boycott of The Star, citing persistent bias in its coverage of his political coalition, Azimio la Umoja. He later rescinded the boycott following consultations and filed a formal complaint with the Media Council of Kenya.
Odinga’s renewed concerns have reignited debate about the delicate balance between press freedom and political accountability. The Media Council of Kenya, the media sector regulator, has previously defended the independence of the press. Chief Executive David Omwoyo emphasized that “attacks on media houses undermine the role of the press in freely informing the public.”
Odinga, a staunch defender of press freedom throughout his career, appears to be navigating a fine line raising concerns over biased reporting while cautioning against calls that may stifle media independence.
As ODM prepares to release its official stance, supporters and political observers await further clarification on the nature and intent of the alleged smear campaign. Tuesday’s statement is expected to outline both the opposition’s grievances and proposed actions moving forward.
This latest development adds to the charged political climate as Kenya continues to grapple with tensions between the media, government, and opposition forces.
