ODM leader Raila Odinga has hit the Standard Group (SG) with two tough demands over a publication regarding his daughter who is currently receiving treatment in South Africa.
Through his lawyer Paul Mwangi, Odinga criticised the story splashed on The Sunday Standard's front page on March 5 titled; “Why I fear for my daughter” regarding the health and career of Rosemary Odinga.
According to a letter seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the Opposition leader accused the publication of using sentiments purported to have been said by him and his family.
Odinga, highlighted that the media house had intruded into his family's privacy for its own commercial gain adding that SG used information which it knew was untrue to deceive the general public.
“You intruded into the most privte and personal affairs of the Odinga family, mocking their grief and exploiting their distress for your selfish ambitions and commercial gain,” read the statement sent to the Standard.
The ODM leader claimed that his family had suffered grave loss and damage to its reputation adding that the article portrayed them as:
1. Manipulative
2. Domineering and controlling
3. Persons of little self-control and no strength of character
4. Persons who suffer from paranoia and react irrationally to critical situations.
Odinga has now demanded a full apology for the said words and for the harm caused on his family.
He has also ordered for “an acceptable settlement in damages to remedy the injury suffered” within seven days failure to which he will take the Group to court.
The local daily had reported that sources close to the family revealed that Rosemary, 39, had suffered a mild stroke and that the family was considering having her shelve her political ambitions until she is fully recovered.
In an earlier statement, Odinga termed the story "a con" noting that Kenyans who bought the newspaper because of the said article had been cheated because neither his family nor family friends were consulted.
Here is the letter:
