The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has moved to clarify its position regarding recent political activities and statements made by Oketch Salah, emphasizing that he does not speak or act on behalf of the party. In an official statement released by National Chairperson H.E.
Gladys Wanga, EGH, ODM made it clear that any engagements, remarks, or political actions associated with Salah were undertaken purely in his personal capacity and should not be interpreted as representing the party’s official stance.
According to the statement, ODM stressed that all party programs, meetings, and public engagements must follow established internal procedures.
The party explained that official activities can only be organized through the Party Secretariat and must receive approval and direction from the party leadership, currently under the guidance of Dr. Oburu Odinga.
The leadership noted that these structures exist to ensure consistency in communication, unity within the party, and discipline among members at all levels.
“The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) wishes to clarify that any activities, statements, or engagements undertaken by Mr. Oketch Salah are carried out strictly in his personal capacity and do not represent or bind the Orange Democratic Movement in any way,” the statement read.
ODM further cautioned its grassroots officials, members, and supporters against organizing or participating in events under the party’s name without proper consultation and authorization.
The party underscored the need for coordination and order, especially at a time when it is working to strengthen internal unity and pursue its long-term political objectives.
Leaders warned that unauthorized activities risk creating confusion among supporters and weakening the party’s collective message.
The clarification comes in the wake of controversial remarks and actions by Salah that reportedly caused discomfort within the party and among its supporters. Salah had publicly described himself as a close confidant and “adopted son” of the late Raila Odinga.
However, members of the Odinga family strongly rejected these claims, accusing him of misrepresenting private interactions for personal political gain and attempting to associate himself with the late leader without authorization.
Tensions intensified after Salah claimed that Raila Odinga had issued political guidance during his final days regarding ODM’s future direction.
Among the claims he made were allegations that Raila supported President William Ruto’s potential re-election bid in 2027 and believed such a move would have greater political impact if ODM remained united and influential within government structures.
Salah further alleged that Raila preferred the party to continue working within the broad-based government arrangement rather than returning to opposition politics.
In addition, Salah claimed that the late ODM leader had warned him about supposed internal dissent within the party, allegedly referring to certain officials as obstacles to the party’s cooperation with President Ruto.
He specifically mentioned Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna, describing him as a “mole” working for rival political interests, and suggested that officials opposed to the alliance should be monitored or removed.
He also alleged that Raila had expressed a desire for his brother, Oburu Oginga, to guide the party’s future direction and maintain its participation in government.
These assertions were quickly dismissed by the Odinga family and senior ODM figures, who described them as false, misleading, and harmful to the party’s unity.
Party insiders warned that such statements risk distorting the legacy of the late Raila Odinga and misleading supporters about ODM’s official position and future plans.
Concerns were further raised over Salah’s participation in political gatherings that were not approved by the ODM Secretariat.
Some of these events reportedly featured ODM symbols displayed alongside imagery linked to President William Ruto, raising questions among supporters about whether the party had formally changed its political stance.
ODM leaders said such actions violated party protocols and created unnecessary uncertainty about the party’s direction.
Through the statement, ODM reiterated its commitment to maintaining clear communication, structured leadership, and discipline among its members, while urging supporters to rely only on official party communication when seeking clarification on political matters.
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