ODM Central Management Committee addresses the press after a meeting in Nairobi, on October 27, 2025. [File, Standard] Several elected and nominated leaders in Nyanza and Western who have hung on the late ODM leader Raila Odinga’s political coattails to capture seats may have to go back to the drawing board as residents anticipate a dynamic shift in the region’s politics. They are the group that won seats with minimal sweat after getting endorsements from Raila. In Nyanza, critics have always mocked them as ‘osiem gi luth’, which loosely infer to handpicked. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now…
Author: By Harold Odhiambo
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta at the graveside of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga in Opoda Farm, Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County, on October 20, 2025. [Courtesy] It is an empire that has been at the heart of Luo Nyanza for more than five decades and has endured the test of time, bouncing back each time its future was at stake. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly Newsletters MPesa, Airtel Money and Cards accepted Login…
Military officers give the final honours to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, on October 19, 2025. [PCS] He bowed out as a shujaa. A celebrated hero who touched hearts, lives and whose contribution to many spheres of the country will be felt for years. A legend who nurtured leaders, planted a seed of inspiration to younger generations, and endured physical pain, personal losses and detention in his push for reforms. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience…
Public viewing of Raila Odinga’s body at Jomo Kenyatta International Stadium in Kisumu. [Michael Mute, Standard] It is the end. A very sad ending to a true-life story of organic love, unquestionable loyalty, and an outpouring of care to a political patriarch of millions of Nyanza residents. Agwambo will not be coming back to Kisumu again. Tears, disbelief, a wave of sadness, a loud anguish, and an outpouring of organic love to a man befitting the status of a hero were the scenes in Kisumu as ODM leader Raila Odinga made his final lap to Kisumu. .fade-out-overlay { position: absolute;…
President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel pay their last respects to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as his body lay at Parliament Buildings. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] A major political tectonic shift awaits Nyanza and Western Kenya following the sudden death of Raila Odinga, the colossus who firmly held the anchor of the region’s political landscape. At the heart of the region’s uncertain political future stands ODM, the formidable political empire that Raila transformed into a powerhouse, effortlessly shaping the region’s politics and determining political fortunes. Here, hundreds of past and current, MCAs, MPs, senators, and governors built their careers…
The body of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga arriving at Nyayo Stadium under heavy military guard during the State Funeral Service. October 17, 2025. [Kanyiri Wahito,Standard] The death of ODM leader Raila Odinga adds another dark chapter to the history of the Nyanza region, following the deaths of other prominent leaders in less than a year. They include more than five leaders who left a huge mark in the region’s politics and in public service and were among the decorated sons and daughters of a region that has endured painful losses in the past. Uncover the stories others…
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and ODM’s candidate for the Kasipul parliamentary seat Boyd Were during campaigns in Kasipul on October 9, 2025. [ODM, X] Veteran politician Raila Odinga’s ODM party is laying out elaborate strategies to avert any embarrassment in the upcoming by-elections across the country. The polls coincide with the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations, and insiders admit that a loss would cast a shadow over the milestone and signal potential decline for a movement that once dominated its traditional strongholds. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to…
Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir and ODM’s candidate for the Kasipul parliamentary seat Boyd Were during campaigns in Kasipul on October 9, 2025. [ODM, X] Veteran politician Raila Odinga’s ODM party is laying out elaborate strategies to avert any embarrassment in the upcoming by-elections across the country. The polls coincide with the party’s 20th anniversary celebrations, and insiders admit that a loss would cast a shadow over the milestone and signal potential decline for a movement that once dominated its traditional strongholds. Unlock the Full Story — Join Thousands of Informed Kenyans Today Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to…
Former President Mwai Kibaki during the promulgation of the new Constitution at the Uhuru Park grounds, Nairobi, on August 27, 2010. [File, Standard] The country may be preparing to mark Katiba Day on Wednesday, but a cloud of gloom continues to hang over its implementation, as President William Ruto’s administration strengthens violations, selectively applies what favours it, and races towards entrenching a vindictive and authoritarian presidency. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe Today & Save! Unlock the Truth Now 》 Unlimited access to all premium content Uninterrupted ad-free browsing experience Mobile-optimized reading experience Weekly…
ODM leader Raila Odinga and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga during the Devolution Conference 2025 at Homabay Boys High School, on August 14, 2025. [Michael Mute, Standard] A devolution conference brings together county and national leaders, experts, investors, and the public to deliberate on the progress made so far, compare notes, learn from best practices, and exhibit the best a devolved unit has to offer the country. However, if the physical form of shame was to be photographed, look no further than the ongoing Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, where governors and senior county officials displayed lavish and extravagant spending…
ODM leader Raila Odinga and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga during the Devolution Conference 2025 at Homabay Boys High School, on August 14, 2025. [Michael Mute, Standard] A devolution conference brings together county and national leaders, experts, investors, and the public to deliberate on the progress made so far, compare notes, learn from best practices, and exhibit the best a devolved unit has to offer the country. However, if the physical form of shame was to be photographed, look no further than the ongoing Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, where governors and senior county officials displayed lavish and extravagant spending…
ODM leader Raila Odinga and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga during the Devolution Conference 2025 at Homabay Boys High School, on August 14, 2025. [Michael Mute, Standard] A devolution conference brings together county and national leaders, experts, investors, and the public to deliberate on the progress made so far, compare notes, learn from best practices, and exhibit the best a devolved unit has to offer the country. However, if the physical form of shame was to be photographed, look no further than the ongoing Devolution Conference in Homa Bay, where governors and senior county officials displayed lavish and extravagant spending…
Siaya Governor James Orengo has not been seen in public for several weeks. [File, Standard] After several weeks of speculation over his whereabouts, Siaya Governor James Orengo has returned to the country. The Standard has established that the county chief flew back to the country on Tuesday and is in Nairobi. However, he is yet to make a public appearance or return to Siaya. Speaker of the County Assembly George Okode confirmed to The Standard that the governor is back in the country. “I can confidently confirm that the governor is back in the country and is in Nairobi,” said…
ODM leader Raila Odinga during an interview with The Standard on February 28, 2023. [Stafford Ondego, Standard] A political empire facing deepening cracks, a restless support base, internal feuds, a fizzling energy about his future presidential prospects, and a defiant Gen Z threatening to change the status quo has rattled ODM leader Raila Odinga as he juggles carefully his political steps. The political strongman is facing a moment of truth with strong implications for his political future as he remains steadfast in his support for President William Ruto. Uncover the stories others won’t tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access Subscribe…