Dennis Onyango Denies Claims of Political Instructions from Raila Odinga
Dennis Onyango, who served as Raila Odinga’s long-time communications aide, has strongly denied allegations that the late leader provided political instructions to certain politicians before his death. Onyango described these claims as fabricated and self-serving, emphasizing that they are being used for political gain.
He criticized leaders within the ODM party for misrepresenting Raila’s stance and creating confusion among the public regarding the party’s position ahead of the 2027 elections. Onyango stated that he was closer to Raila than most of those currently claiming to have spoken with him before his passing.
Since Raila Odinga’s death, several individuals who were close to him have come forward with accounts of what they claim he told them in his final days. These accounts suggest that Raila gave guidance on the political direction the ODM party and the broader Luo community should take. Some allege that he advised aligning with President William Ruto’s government beyond 2027, while others insist he instructed them to oppose the government and work towards forming the next administration.
Onyango dismissed all such claims as baseless. Speaking in Nyatike, Migori County, on Saturday, 8 November, he stated that many of those asserting they spoke with Raila are fabricating stories for political gain. He specifically criticized ODM figures who remain ambiguous about the party’s opposition stance ahead of the 2027 general election. He condemned them for misrepresenting Raila’s last public statement as endorsements of Ruto.
“I hear different stories out here. Some are saying ‘I called Raila,’ some are saying, ‘Raila said this,’ others, ‘we’ll have a candidate in 2027.’ I was in the PG where Raila warned against committing people to things that have not been said, not knowing even ODM might have a candidate,” Onyango said.
According to Onyango, those claiming to have had a close connection with Raila were, in reality, insignificant to him. He added that Raila never took their views seriously, contrary to what they now suggest.
“There is nobody Raila used to talk to more than me that I see people nowadays going to rallies and saying they spoke with Raila. Many people used to talk to him but after you leave he’d say, ‘that one is talking nonsense’, while you get out there bragging about how you’ve had fruitful talks. So let’s stop lying to ourselves,” he said.
ODM’s Strategy Ahead of the 2027 Elections
At the same time, Onyango laid out what he considers ODM’s only realistic strategy ahead of the 2027 elections. He dismissed as misguided the belief that ODM can still field a strong presidential contender. He noted that Raila was the party’s sole nationally resonant figure, and with his passing, ODM must confront the reality that no one else within its ranks matches his stature or electoral strength.
According to him, ODM should consider joining either of the leading camps at this moment, saying Ruto’s is the only best choice compared to the opposition. This suggestion comes amid ongoing debates within the party about its future direction and how to maintain relevance in the Kenyan political landscape.
Onyango’s comments highlight the challenges facing ODM as it seeks to navigate the political terrain without its most prominent leader. His critique of those making unfounded claims underscores the need for transparency and authenticity within the party, especially as it prepares for the upcoming elections.