Self-proclaimed “adopted son” of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Oketch Salah, continues to face rejection from those who were close to the opposition doyen following his questionable activities involving the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Despite being a conspicuous figure around Mr Odinga even in the opposition leader’s sunset days, complete with pictures and videos evidence from different locations, the controversy surrounding the identity and role of Mr Salah in the Odinga family and ODM politics remains a mystery as he seeks to cut a niche for himself in the ever-changing political landscape.
Those close to the ex-Prime Minister seem neither to understand his clear role around then ODM leader, who died on October 15 last year, nor to have engaged with him at a personal level.
The latest to disown Mr Salah is ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga, who on Saturday clarified that the activities, statements or engagements undertaken by Mr Salah are carried out strictly in his personal capacity and do not represent or bind ODM in any way.
Mr Salah, who holds no official position in the party and is not an elected politician, had held an engagement with the youth in Nairobi. The branding of the event was themed around Mr Salah with his image alongside that of Mr Odinga and President William Ruto.
In the Jaramogi family, there appears to be a split in how they perceive him, with some, including Siaya Senator and ODM leader Dr Oburu Oginga, his son Jaoko Oburu, and Mama Ida Odinga, having acknowledged him at various forums.
However, Ms Winnie Odinga and Raila Junior denied knowing him and dismissed his assertions about the last moments he shared with their father, Mr Odinga.
In a recent interview, Winnie claimed she had met Mr Salah but believes no one quite knows him, even raising questions about him.
The East Africa Legislative Assembly member rejected claims that the businessman was present at the time of her late father’s death, branding them “dangerous lies” and questioning his intentions.
Her remarks came a few days after Mr Salah publicly claimed that he was with Mr Odinga from the beginning of his illness until his final moments, stating that he did not share the information for sympathy or political gain but because it was the truth.
Oketch Salah arrives in Bondo in a chopper for the funeral of Beryl Achieng’ Odinga, Raila’s sister, on December 6, 2025.
Photo credit: X/ @Oketch_Salah
But it is his involvement in ODM affairs that has created a storm in the party, forcing the top leadership to speak out.
He has been allied to the faction of ODM supporting party leader Dr Oginga and President William Ruto’s re-election in 2027.
He has also been organising party meetings with supporters and delegates across the country in what he has termed as popularising and strengthening the party, but his moves are slowly attracting criticism.
“All official ODM activities, programs, and engagements are channelled through the party secretariat and are undertaken with the approval and guidance of the party leadership headed by Dr Oburu Oginga,” Ms Wanga, the ODM chairperson, said in a statement.
She advised grassroots leaders, members and supporters that no activity should be organised or conducted in the name of ODM without prior consultation and approval from the party leadership and secretariat.
“The party remains committed to order, discipline and structured engagement in the pursuit of its objectives,” she added.
Her statement came hours after Mr Salah organised a meeting on Friday with a group identified as university students at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi that turned chaotic, forcing him to leave the venue unceremoniously.
Later, after he left, the youths who had been mobilised to have a conversation with him dubbed “Linda Comrade” criticised him and started chanting slogans in support of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
Chairman of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Association of Kenya Oketch Sala on November 2, 2025.
Photo credit: Oscar Kakai | Nation Media Group
But in a rejoinder, Mr Salah defended himself, saying he only means well and only wanted to see ODM vibrant and energized.
“Everything I have been doing has only one purpose: to popularise and strengthen ODM. I believe deeply in this party, in its history and in what it stands for. If, in that process, I have hurt you, Chairlady Wanga, I sincerely apologise. That was never my intention,” said Mr Salah in a statement.
He said that ODM needs to be re-energised and refreshed, stressing that a living movement must keep moving, keep inspiring and reach out to people at the grassroots.
The businessman said his commitment to ODM was not for show but was about fulfilling his promise to the former party leader using his own resources.
“Let me also be clear: the resources I have been using are my own personal resources. I have not asked ODM for money and I have not used party funds. This has been my personal contribution to a party I love and respect,” said Mr Salah.
Meanwhile, a section of the family of the late Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, led by his son Brian Midiwo, on Saturday took aim at Oketch Salah, urging him to steer clear of the Odinga family. Mr Midiwo dismissed Mr Salah as merely an associate of Raila Odinga, accusing him of exploiting the family name and a recent death for political gain.
A section of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) youth leaders in Nairobi, led by youth leader Brian Midiwo (centre), address the media during a press briefing at the Sarova Panafric Hotel on February 7, 2026.
Photo credit: Wilfred Nyangaresi | Nation Media Group
“We are saddened that he is using the name of our uncle to seek political mileage,” Mr Midiwo said, calling on him to “cease and desist” from what he termed opportunistic politics.
Mr Midiwo also challenged Dr Oginga to publicly denounce events organised by Mr Salah, which he said had not been sanctioned by the party.
“We demand that he (Oburu) come out and condemn the actions taken by Oketch Salah. We saw him do the same when Edwin Sifuna spoke. Why is he not condemning him for organising party events which have not been sanctioned by the party? Where is he getting the funds to organise all these?” he questioned.
The family further demanded that Winnie Odinga be appointed deputy party leader, with Anyang’ Nyong’o serving as acting party leader pending a determination by the National Delegates Council. Reaffirming their support for internal dissent, Mr Midiwo said the party should uphold freedom of expression, adding that Mr Sifuna’s views reflected the aspirations of ODM’s younger members and deserved respect.
