Renowned journalist Linda Oguttu has slammed politicians hanging onto former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s coat months after his death.
In a statement on her official X account on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the journalist weighed in on the trend of politicians referencing private conversations and instructions they claim to have received from the former prime minister before his death.
“Watu sasa waache ‘baba called/told me’. Raila is gone,” Oguttu said.
She highlighted some of Raila’s contributions to Kenya’s progress, adding that, having played his part and exited the stage, it is time for people to let the former prime minister rest in peace.
“He steered the political journey of this country for years & has a claim to the democracy/rights we enjoy. His name will be engraved in the history of this nation,” Oguttu stated.
No more hanging on Raila’s coat
She added that it is time for those invoking Raila’s name for political mileage and relevance to face it alone without hanging onto his coat for political survival.
“Watu sasa wapambane kivyao. Waache kushikilia koti ya baba (People should now stop hanging on Baba’s coat and face it alone),” she added.
Whether to back President William Ruto in the 2027 elections, field its own candidate or partner with other political formations has been a contentious issue that has left Orange Democratic Movement deeply divided.
Claims of private conversations with Raila
Several Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) politicians supporting the broad-based government have in recent days claimed to have had private conversations with the departed leader.
Their accounts have been challenged by a rival faction that maintains that Raila made public declarations on his stand in regard to ODM fielding a candidate in 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during an interview with a local TV station, Winnie Odinga weighed in on the matter, asserting that claims of private conversations hold no weight, clarifying that Raila made a public declaration on the matter.
She particularly dismissed much-publicised remarks from self-proclaimed Raila’s adopted son, Oketch Salah.
“Raila asked, “Who DM will not have a candidate in 2027?” So those claiming Raila told them things in secret, who exactly told them that? Raila said everything publicly, to all of us,” Winnie said.
