Raila’s Adopted Son Breaks Silence on Alleged Odinga Family Feud
Oketch Salah, who is widely known as Raila Odinga’s adopted son, has publicly responded to claims that he disrespected members of the Odinga family, firmly dismissing the accusations as untrue, malicious, and driven by political interests.
In a detailed statement released on Tuesday, January 20, Salah said reports suggesting that he had sidelined, insulted, or attempted to replace members of the Odinga family were completely false.
He described the claims as part of an effort to damage his reputation amid ongoing internal political struggles within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party.
Salah explained that the narrative portraying him as dismissive or disrespectful to the family of the late opposition leader was a total fabrication.
He stressed that since the accusations were directed at him personally, he felt it was necessary to respond calmly and directly to set the record straight.
“I have never claimed that I wanted to replace Baba’s family, and I have never disrespected Mama Ida or any of his children,” Salah said. “Any claim that I insulted them, sidelined them, or spoke badly about them is false and malicious.
I did not force myself into anyone’s life. I was present because Raila allowed me to be present, knowingly and consistently.”
He further clarified that his involvement in Raila Odinga’s life was neither self-imposed nor hidden. According to Salah, everything he did was with Raila’s full knowledge and approval, including being around during some of the former prime minister’s most private and critical moments.
Salah added that his silence on certain sensitive matters had been misunderstood by the public. He explained that his decision not to speak openly about private conversations or moments was out of respect for Raila Odinga and his family, not because of fear, guilt, or wrongdoing.
In recent weeks, Salah has faced accusations of trying to take the place of Raila’s children after he claimed that the late ODM leader had trusted him with confidential information that he had not shared with anyone else. These claims sparked public debate and fueled speculation about tensions within the Odinga family.
The situation intensified after Salah was captured on video stating that ODM members who were unhappy with the cooperation between ODM and UDA under the broad-based government arrangement should consider leaving the party.
Many interpreted these remarks as being directed at Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga. However, Salah strongly denied this interpretation, insisting that his comments were not aimed at her or any member of the Odinga family.
Despite the controversy, Salah said he does not fear public criticism. He stated that he is open and willing to appear before any credible media house to address the matter openly and transparently.
He also warned against attempts to use him as a tool to create false narratives or to rewrite what he described as the lived history surrounding Raila Odinga’s final days. Salah cautioned political actors against exploiting the family’s grief for personal or political gain.
Speaking about his relationship with the late prime minister, Salah maintained that he was with Raila during his final moments.
He revealed that they held deep discussions covering personal issues, political matters, and long-term strategies. However, he said he would not disclose the details of those conversations out of respect.
Salah has previously claimed that Raila Odinga shared sensitive information with him about the country and the internal affairs of the ODM party.
He also alleged that Raila had accused ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna of being a mole within the party. Salah insisted that these claims were based on facts as shared with him and were not meant to attract sympathy or gain political advantage.
As the debate continues, Salah maintains that his intention is not to divide the party or the Odinga family, but to defend his name and protect the legacy of a man he says he respected deeply.
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