Oketch Salah Responds to Ruth Odinga as ODM Family Feud Deepens
Oketch Salah has responded to remarks made by Ruth Odinga, clarifying his position regarding his ties with the late Raila Odinga and his involvement in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party. His comments come amid an ongoing war of words within the Odinga family and the party.
In an interview with KTN on Wednesday night, Ruth Odinga downplayed her relationship with Salah, expressing surprise at his claims of closeness.
She said she has only met him a handful of times—about three occasions—and stated that she does not wish to be involved in discussions about him.
On Thursday, Salah countered Ruth Odinga’s claims, explaining that any interactions between them were initiated by her, not him. He emphasized that his relationship was primarily with the late Raila Odinga, and not with Ruth.
Salah highlighted his role in facilitating Ruth’s travel to India, including arranging her business-class ticket and persuading Raila to approve her journey.
He framed these actions as part of his official duties at Raila’s request, insisting that they were transparent, factual, and not motivated by personal favouritism toward Ruth Odinga.
Salah also elaborated on his long-standing and deeply personal relationship with Raila Odinga, describing it as one built on trust and shared history.
He pointed out that while Ruth claimed she was present during Raila’s final moments, she admitted not seeing him upon arrival in India.
Salah, on the other hand, said he spent most of Raila’s last moments with him, describing the experience as deeply emotional, difficult, and significant.
He explained, “The only reason I returned earlier was that Baba personally asked me to go back to Kenya to conclude my son’s wedding, which had been postponed multiple times due to his health.”
Ruth Odinga had also accused Salah of overstepping by interfering in party matters, suggesting he acted as if he were the ODM spokesperson despite not being a party member.
“I remember we also talked about that Oketch Salah should not be speaking on behalf of the party because he is not a party member, and I am surprised to see him doing what he is doing,” she stated.
In response, Salah clarified that his involvement in ODM affairs was based on the trust and responsibilities entrusted to him by Raila Odinga. He stressed that his coordination on party matters and support for leadership decisions were rooted in this trust, not in personal ties with other family members.
Salah further urged Ruth Odinga to stop clashing with her elder brother and party leader, Oburu Odinga, emphasizing that he does not take his position lightly but acts in accordance with responsibilities assigned to him by the late Raila.
Additionally, Salah defended the party’s decision to support President William Ruto’s reelection bid. He stated that Raila had expressed his intention to endorse Ruto for a second term, and that he was duty-bound to convey this information accurately.
He concluded by noting that his role and actions have always been guided by responsibility, transparency, and loyalty to Raila Odinga’s wishes, and that he remains committed to fulfilling these duties without any personal agenda.
This exchange highlights growing tensions within the Odinga family and the ODM party, showing the deep emotions and differing perspectives surrounding the late Raila Odinga’s legacy and the party’s future.
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