Nairobi, January 21- Oketch Salah, known by many as the adopted son of the late opposition leader Raila Odinga, has firmly denied claims that he disrespected or tried to sideline the Odinga family amid recent internal disputes within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He said the accusations circulating online are unfounded and politically driven, and he chose to respond openly to set the record straight.
In a post on X, Salah wrote: “I have never claimed to replace Baba’s family, nor have I ever disrespected Mama Ida or his children. Any suggestion that I insulted, sidelined or spoke ill of them is false and malicious.” He insisted that the narratives painting him as dismissive of the Odinga family are simply not true.
Salah also addressed how he came to be close to Raila Odinga, saying his proximity during the former prime minister’s illness was entirely with Raila’s knowledge and consent. In another quote, he said: “I did not force myself into anyone’s life. I was present because Raila allowed me to be present, consistently and knowingly.”
He explained that his silence on private matters was out of respect for Raila and his family, not fear or guilt, and that he never sought political or personal gain from his involvement. Salah urged critics not to turn personal grief into political fodder, warning against using his relationship with Raila as a scapegoat in ongoing ODM disputes.
