Oketch Salah hits back at Ruth Odinga over Raila claims

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A man who rose to prominence during Raila Odinga’s final days, Oketch Salah, has strongly refuted claims by Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga that she barely knows him and that he has no right to speak on party matters.

The dispute comes following Ruth's appearance on KTN News Wednesday night, where she questioned Salah’s role in the late ODM leader’s inner circle and in the party.

During her interview, Ruth was asked how well she knew Oketch Salah.

“I really don’t know him that well. In my whole life I have met Oketch Salah about three times.”

Salah, in a detailed statement, rejected this, saying he never forced himself into Ruth’s life.

“If you do not wish to associate with me, that is entirely your choice,” he said.

He added that his interactions with her occurred at her own initiative, and that he arranged her trip to India on Raila’s instructions, returning to Kenya only to conclude the late leader’s son’s wedding arrangements.

Ruth also argued that Salah should not present himself as a party voice because he is not a registered ODM member.

“Oketch Salah should not be speaking on behalf of the party because he is not a party member,” she said, urging him to respect family and party boundaries.

Salah countered, asserting that his work within ODM reflected loyalty to Raila Odinga rather than personal ambition.

“Whatever I have done for ODM was not driven by personal interest; it was done at Baba’s request,” he said, stressing that ODM belongs to the Kenyan people, not any individual or family.

The disagreement extended to claims about Raila’s final moments. Ruth said she was present with her brother and questioned Salah’s account.

“By the time I got to India, I never saw him. I am the one who was with my brother when he passed away.”

Salah stood firm, describing his presence during Raila Odinga’s last days as deeply personal and painful.

“I spent most of Baba’s final moments with him. Those moments were real, painful and deeply personal,” he said, adding that the truth should not be erased or turned into political theatre.

On political matters, Salah also defended his previous statements regarding Raila’s support for President William Ruto’s second term.

He insisted that he would not retract his words.

“Baba was clear to me that he intended to endorse President Ruto for a second term,” he said.