ODM hits out at Standard Newspaper over headline targeting Raila Odinga
ODM Party has hit out at The Standard Newspaper over Monday's publication labeling Raila Odinga a betrayer of the Gen Z.
ODM Party has hit out at The Standard Newspaper over Monday’s publication labeling Raila Odinga a betrayer of the Gen Z.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has hit out at the Standard Newspaper following a headline in its Monday, June 23, publication that labelled party leader Raila Odinga a betrayer of the Gen Z.
In a statement, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna accused the Standard Media Group of running a coordinated campaign aimed at undermining the party’s leadership.
He went on to claim that the newspaper was advancing personal interests under the guise of journalism.
“The Party has noted with disappointment the sensational headline by today’s Standard Newspaper, branding Party Leader HE Raila Odinga a betrayer of the Gen Z. For some time now, the Standard Media Group has run a campaign to blackmail, intimidate and force political leaders to take positions that are consistent with that of the ownership and management of the company.
“The Standard is pursuing a propaganda campaign disguised as journalism. In its latest pursuit of this agenda, the Standard has trained its guns on the leadership of ODM in a bid to force the party to support the political positions of the ownership of the media outlet,” he said.
Sifuna revisited last year’s Gen Z-led protests against the Finance Bill 2024, noting that the young demonstrators had explicitly distanced themselves from any political alignment.
“It is important to put in perspective the events surrounding last year’s Gen Z protests, when young Kenyans took to the streets agitating for their rights but specifically demanding the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.
“They achieved this, while maintaining their position that they were neither aligned to any political formation, nor any leader. Because of the brutality meted out by the police, many of these young people lost their lives or were maimed,” he continued.
Sifuna pointed out ODM’s position on accountability for the violence that occurr during protests such as the anti-Finance Bill.
“The ODM party leadership has firmly stated that there must be compensation by government for all lives lost and injuries sustained during the protests. This position has not changed. Neither has our demand that police brutality and abduction of citizens must end,” he added.
Sifuna also dismissed claims that ODM was collaborating with the Kenya Kwanza government, insisting that the party is not in government.
There will be no demonstrations on June 25th – Isaac Mwaura
Government bans 77 pesticides, restricts 202 othersNPS issues warning to business owners ahead of planned June 25th protests
Moses Kuria hints at running for president in 2027
Four police officers killed, two injured in tragic road accident
Former Permanent Secretary is dead
“We have stated times without number, that ODM is not part of the Kenya Kwanza government. Whatever stability frameworks we enter into for the sustenance of a peaceful nation and democracy, do not amount to joining government.
“It is therefore in real bad taste for the Standard to consistently run this narrative knowing it is false. The journalistic tenet of truth, honesty and fairness cannot be sacrificed for political points,” he further said.
Sifuna noted that ODM will not be intimidated by propaganda, further warning against what he termed as targeted media attacks against Raila.
“The leadership of ODM and the entire party, refuses to be intimidated and railroaded by partisan propaganda disguised as journalism. We particularly reject what appears to be the undeclared rules that seem to govern the Standard’s coverage and treatment of the party’s leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga whose sole aim is to distort the public’s view of him and to force him into a political direction of the company’s ownership,” he stated.
Further, as the country approaches the anniversary of the Gen Z protests, Sifuna called on Kenyans to remain united and committed to peaceful democratic expression.
“As we draw close to the anniversary of the Gen Z protests, we urge Kenyans of goodwill to uphold national unity and ignore those who seek to divide us.
“The Party has for a long time been an advocate and practitioner of peaceful protest and change, and we urge all those who will turn out to commemorate the anniversary this Wednesday, to fearlessly stand on the side of freedom and democracy, and the right to protest as enshrined in the constitution,” he concluded.
US Embassy issues advisories to its citizens ahead of June 25 protests
Government warns public servants over reporting late to work
I don’t regret being kicked out of UDA; Cleophas Malala
Iran hangs man convicted of spying for Israel
Gachagua claims Ruto orchestrating transfers of priests to muzzle him
Follow us
