The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has firmly discredited a circulating statement falsely attributed to its party leader, Raila Odinga, which appeared to urge Gen Z demonstrators to abandon their planned protests set for Tuesday, June 17.
The party, through its official communication on Monday, June 16, labelled the message as fabricated. The controversial statement, crafted to appear like an official communication from Odinga, addressed the tragic death of popular online influencer Albert Ojwang, whose demise has stirred national outrage.
In the falsified post, the former Prime Minister was depicted appealing to young Kenyans not to protest, claiming some individuals were “exploiting” Ojwang’s death to stoke unrest. It suggested that Odinga had urged calm and called on the youth to “stay at home” rather than take to the streets.
“Ignore those who are using Albert Ojwang’s death to incite the public. I appeal to Gen Z to call off today’s protests and remain peaceful,” read part of the widely circulated but debunked message.
The statement also claimed that Raila had been in direct contact with President William Ruto, who supposedly gave assurances that a full investigation into Ojwang’s death would be conducted and that the family would receive compensation.
Phrases such as “let us not destroy what has taken years to build” and calls for “patience as authorities investigate” were included to make the document appear authentic and temper the anger swelling among young protesters.
ODM, however, was quick to distance its leader from the message, warning the public against falling for misinformation at a critical moment when trust in institutions is under intense scrutiny.
Albert Ojwang’s death, which occurred in police custody, has spotlighted the conduct of law enforcement, prompting widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability within the National Police Service. The incident continues to galvanize Gen Z activism, with protests planned to demand justice and reform.
