By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 30 December 2025 - The Oginga Odinga family, one of Kenya’s most prominent political dynasties, is in mourning, and yet, as Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga revealed, it is also under siege from relentless attacks on social media.
In a terse statement, Ruth implored critics and detractors to desist from spreading falsehoods and defamatory remarks about the family, emphasising that such conduct is disrespectful, especially during a period of profound loss.
The family has been grappling with immense grief following the deaths of two key figures in rapid succession: ODM party leader Raila Odinga and his sister, Beryl Odinga.
The twin bereavements have plunged the family into a solemn period of reflection and mourning.
Ruth ’s appeal underscores the human dimension behind the political persona—reminding the public that behind the public office and political clout lies a family enduring pain and loss.
In her statement, Ruth was unambiguous: “We are still in a mourning period and solemn reflection period. It’s hardly two months since we lost our brother. We are still groaning in pain. You either join us or keep away. But stop your insults and black propaganda against us or any member of our family.”
She described some of the circulating narratives as “unprintable and unrepeatable lies” and warned of stern action against those perpetuating them.
The statement highlights a growing phenomenon in Kenyan politics: the collision of private grief with public scrutiny, amplified by social media.
Platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) have increasingly become arenas where political families are subjected to a mixture of criticism, rumour, and, at times, outright falsehoods.
While robust public debate is a hallmark of democracy, Ruth’s message draws attention to the human cost of unbridled online commentary, especially during moments of personal tragedy.
The timing of these attacks is particularly sensitive.
The deaths of Raila and Beryl Odinga have left not just a political vacuum but an emotional one within the family.
Raila Odinga’s role as the long-serving ODM leader and a key figure in Kenya’s democratic evolution made him a household name, but his loss is felt first and foremost by those closest to him.
Beryl Odinga’s passing, shortly afterward, compounded the family’s anguish, creating a period of mourning that Ruth Odinga describes as “groaning in pain.”
Her appeal also touches on a broader societal issue: the ethics of public discourse in the digital age.
The social media sphere, while enabling connection and engagement, often lacks the accountability and empathy that govern face-to-face interactions.
False claims and disparaging narratives can spread rapidly, leaving lasting reputational and emotional harm.
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In this light, Ruth Odinga’s plea is not merely a personal request but a reminder of the responsibility that comes with public communication.
The Odinga family has long been at the centre of Kenya’s political life, a position that naturally draws scrutiny and commentary.
However, Ruth’s statement serves as a rare public insistence on the need for boundaries: the right to mourn privately, the expectation of respect, and the need for peace to process grief.
She stresses that the family seeks time and space to heal, appealing to adversaries and the public alike to allow them that dignity.
From a political analysis perspective, this episode illustrates the intersection of personal loss and public life in Kenya.
While the Odingas are public figures, their personal grief is real and immediate.
Ruth Odinga’s decision to speak out signals a proactive approach in defending the family’s honour and mental well-being against the pressures of social media narratives that may conflate politics with personal attacks.
Furthermore, the statement hints at potential consequences for sustained attacks, as Ruth emphasised “stern action” against those responsible for defamation.
While details are sparse, the warning underscores a willingness to use legal or formal avenues to protect the family’s reputation—a move that may also set a precedent for other public figures confronting online harassment during sensitive periods.
Ultimately, Ruth’s plea is a call for empathy in an era where digital commentary often outpaces human decency.
It is a reminder that public figures, regardless of their prominence or political influence, are entitled to periods of private mourning, free from the barrage of unsubstantiated claims.
For a family navigating the loss of two beloved members within weeks, the request is as much about safeguarding mental health as it is about defending reputation.
As the Odinga family continues to grieve, the broader public is left to consider the ethical dimension of engagement in political discourse.
Respect, restraint, and compassion remain essential—even in a country where political debate is vibrant and often heated.
Ruth Odinga’s words serve as both a personal appeal and a subtle moral admonition: even in the age of social media, humanity must not be lost.
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