Political strategist Pauline Njoroge has issued a strong rebuttal to critics who have questioned the authenticity of her relationship with the late Raila Odinga.
In a statement on Monday, Njoroge acknowledged that she and Odinga were on opposite sides of the political divide in 2017, but emphasized that their relationship transformed significantly in subsequent years.
“In 2017, we were on different political sides. Like in any heated political contest, many things were said in the course of political banter,” Njoroge stated, noting that both Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta had publicly acknowledged and apologized for statements made during that period.
Njoroge revealed that her professional relationship with Odinga began in November 2018, shortly after his appointment as the African Union’s High Representative for Infrastructure Development. At the time, she was working with the African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD), where her office supported his role.
“Over a period of 7 years, I had the privilege of learning directly from him,” she said, describing how Odinga gave her numerous opportunities, traveled with her across Africa and beyond, and included her in high-level meetings that shaped her professional growth.
She was part of Odinga’s 2022 presidential campaign and was personally appointed to his African Union Commission (AUC) campaign team in 2024.
In an emotional tribute, Njoroge praised Odinga for looking beyond tribal and political differences and disclosed that their last conversation took place on October 8, 2025, while Odinga was in India, just a week before his death
“That was Baba! A man who never judged me by my tribe or my previous political positions. He saw my potential and gave me an opportunity. I even made a post about that conversation on the same day,” she noted.
Accusations of Hypocrisy
Njoroge turned the tables on her critics, accusing them of selective memory and double standards. She pointedly asked whether President William Ruto, whom many of her critics now support, had ever publicly apologized for past statements he made about Odinga.
“Do you claim to know me better than Baba did? What exactly explains this selective memory, this hypocrisy and these double standards?” she posed.
Njoroge is part of the Linda Mwananchi faction led by rebel ODM leaders against the party’s working arrangement with President William Ruto’s UDA. Pauline is a member of the Jubilee Party backing the Sifuna-led movement.
