ODM has rubbished reports suggesting that its party leader, Raila Odinga, is losing support in his Nyanza stronghold, following isolated incidents during the burial of the late Albert Ojwang’ in Homa Bay.
In a strongly worded statement, ODM national chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga termed the claims as “unnatural, detestable, and a disservice to the truth,” and criticised a local news outlet that carried the report for what she described as deliberate misreporting and disinformation.
“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, further claiming that the incident was not isolated.
The funeral of Ojwang’, a 31-year-old blogger and teacher who died in police custody in Nairobi on June 8, attracted emotional scenes as mourners voiced frustration through intermittent chants and heckling directed at some ODM leaders.
However, Wanga maintained that the ceremony was peaceful and the claims of chaos were unfounded.
“The emotions among mourners were palpable, but the service and interment were conducted peacefully, defying earlier predictions of chaos,” she stated.
Wanga criticised the publication, saying it missed “the significance of the unity of purpose that was witnessed at the ceremony.”
Ojwang’s funeral, she noted, was a national event that drew mourners from across the country, united in grief and solidarity.
“It drew attendees from every corner of the country, from the Coast, where Albert was educated and worked, to Nairobi… to Homa Bay, his ancestral home.”
She reaffirmed Raila’s status as a towering national figure.
“The Rt Hon Raila Odinga is a distinguished Statesman whose contribution to the history of this nation is undeniable and significant. His consistent fight for justice, sacrifices to lead, reconcile, and bridge divides in our society like no one else are undeniable.”
Raila’s use of handshakes as a tool for national unity has been met with mixed reactions—praised by some as statesmanship that cools political tensions, and criticised by others as compromising opposition ideals.
The ODM party signed a working agreement with the ruling UDA party led by President William Ruto in March this year as part of a broader unity-building effort under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Wanga pointed to ODM’s recent grassroots elections as further proof that the party and its leader remain a strong political force in Kenya.
“ODM is strong and solid, and our recent national grassroots elections reaffirmed our standing as the strongest party in the nation.”
She concluded by warning that sensationalism and negativity directed at Raila not only misrepresent him but also distort the values he has long stood for.
“As a party, we remain cognisant of media freedom. We, however, take great exception to salacious and misleading headlines. The time for accountability is now,” she said.
by EMMANUEL WANJALA
