Raila defended amid criticism over his delayed response to Albert Ojwang’s death
Lugari Member of Parliament (MP) Nabii Nabwera has come out strongly in defence of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, following growing criticism over his delayed response to the death of teacher and influencer Albert Omondi Ojwang.
In recent days, a section of Kenyans has taken to social media and public platforms to question why Raila has not spoken out sooner or taken a more visible stand on the matter.
Speaking during a mourning-themed show on a local television station on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, Nabwera condemned those blaming the ODM leader for his silence, terming the criticism unfair and misplaced.
He challenged the notion that Raila should always be the one to speak out on every national tragedy or injustice, stating that the responsibility to call out wrongdoing lies with all Kenyans, not one individual.
“Who said that? Is Raila the one cleaning all the dirty linens of this country? We all have a responsibility; when it suits us, we want to call on Raila; when it doesn’t suit us, we don’t call on Raila. I think that is the doublespeak in this country that we should not condone.” Nabwera said
Nabwera questioned fellow panellist and Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu, who had raised the issue of Raila’s silence, asking what exactly Raila was expected to do if President Ruto, for example, decided to sack Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, who has been linked to Ojwang’s controversial death.
He pointed out that Raila does not hold state power and therefore cannot be blamed for inaction in matters that fall under government authority.
“I want Nyutu to respond to this. If we leave here and the president has sacked Lagat, what will he say?” he added
Double standards
The Lugari legislator went further to accuse Kenyans of political double standards. He argued that whenever an issue aligns with public sentiment, Kenyans expect Raila to speak up.
However, when it does not suit their interests, they go quiet. According to Nabwera, this selective outrage should not be encouraged, as it unfairly targets the former prime minister.
“We want to use Ojwang’s death as a barometer to measure Raila’s commitment to ideals of a just society; I say no,” he added.
Nabwera also criticized those using Ojwang’s case as a platform to tarnish Raila Odinga’s name.
He emphasised that Raila is not one to react hastily or follow public pressure blindly.
Instead, he operates through behind-the-scenes engagements, and by the time ODM or Raila makes a public statement, a lot of groundwork will have already taken place, though often unnoticed by the public.
“I know Raila Odinga inside out. By the time he came out yesterday, I knew the things he had done behind the scenes,” he said.
He concluded by reminding Kenyans that Raila is now an ordinary citizen.
Since the electorate chose not to vote him into office, Nabwera said, they should not expect him to shoulder national responsibilities alone.
