The Nation Media Group has only 24 hours to retract content of the Sunday Nation headline or face legal actions, Raila Odinga has warned.
In a controversial article that has since caused mixed reactions, the Sunday Nation claimed that Mr Odinga, while addressing a gathering in Gem on Saturday, hinted competing for presidency in 2022.
Earlier, his spokesperson Dennis Onyango had issued a statement, disputing contents of the headline. In the statement, Mr Onyango dismissed the article as 'irresponsible journalism'.
"Raila Odinga strongly objects to reports appearing in the Sunday Nation today that put him in a presidential race he has not declared any interest in and which does not exist currently. Mr Odinga is further deeply disappointed by the Sunday Nation deliberately twisting his calls for his party ODM to prepare for grassroots elections to mean he is in the presidential race," he said in a long statement.
"As he has stated since the conclusion of the 2017 election, Mr Odinga believes that three years of dissecting poll numbers and forcing candidates into the race rather than focusing on real and urgent economic, political and social issues that the nation needs to deal with ahead of 2022 is reckless, irresponsible and cheap journalism," he added.
And through Rachier and Amollo advocates, Mr Odinga in Sunday evening demanded an apology from Africa's giant publishing house, adding that he would tackle it in court should owners fail to acknowledge the contested facts.
"Raila Odinga to take legal action against Nation Media Group over defamation and malicious publication of false information information in their today's newspaper should they fail to publish unconditional retraction and apology on the front-page within 24hrs upon receiving the attached letter," said Philip Nyamai, an aide at Capitol Hill.
Mr Odinga maintains that he's only interested in helping President Uhuru Kenyatta deliver on his promises. Also, he says, he is keen to ensure several aspects including electoral reforms take place ahead of 2022.
On Sunday, Deputy President William Ruto, while making reference to the article, said he's ready to tackle the former Prime Minister on condition that 'he concedes defeat if he loses'.