Oketch Salah, widely known as Raila’s adopted son, has broken his silence as claims swirl that he disrespected and undermined the Odinga family. The accusations emerged amid growing wrangles inside the ODM party and quickly took a political tone.
Salah now says the claims are false, malicious, and driven by internal power fights. He insists he never insulted Mama Ida or Raila Odinga’s children. Instead, he says rivals want to rewrite history, exploit grief, and damage his name for political gain.
Raila’s Adopted Son Speaks Out Against Political Smear Campaign
Oketch Salah says he chose calm over anger when accusations targeted him. He explains that the claims did not reflect truth or respect. According to him, the allegations aimed to paint him as a threat to the Odinga family legacy. He rejects that image completely.
Salah states that he never sought to replace anyone in Raila Odinga’s family. He says he never sidelined or insulted Mama Ida or Raila’s children. He calls every claim suggesting otherwise a lie built to poison public opinion.
He insists he responded because the accusations carried his name. He says silence allowed lies to spread. Still, he maintains that he spoke with restraint to avoid deepening pain within a grieving family.
“I have never claimed to replace Baba’s family,” Salah said. “I never disrespected Mama Ida or his children. Any suggestion that I insulted or sidelined them is false and malicious.”
Salah stresses that his presence in Raila Odinga’s life came with full consent. He says Raila allowed him to be present knowingly and consistently. He denies forcing himself into private spaces or moments.
He explains that his closeness to Raila did not happen in secrecy. He says it happened openly and with approval. According to Salah, Raila’s trust guided every interaction.
Salah Defends His Presence in Raila Odinga’s Final Days
Salah maintains that he stood by Raila Odinga during his final moments. He says their discussions covered personal matters, politics, and strategy. However, he refuses to disclose details. He says respect and dignity guide his silence.
He explains that many misread his silence as guilt or fear. He rejects that view. He says he stayed quiet because he respected Raila and his family. He did not want to turn private moments into public debate.
Salah admits that Raila shared sensitive views with him. He says Raila spoke about the country and the future of ODM. Still, he insists that sharing such information does not mean he sought attention or sympathy.
He also addresses claims that he boasted about holding secrets that Raila shared with no one else. He says critics twisted his words. He insists he never used those conversations to elevate himself politically.
Salah warns against using Raila’s death to score political points. He says some actors want to weaponize grief. He says others want to rewrite the story of Raila’s final days for their benefit.
He states clearly that he will not allow anyone to use him to spread false narratives. He says history should remain honest and grounded in truth.
Raila’s Adopted Son Responds to ODM Tensions and Winnie Odinga Claims
Salah also tackles claims linking him to ODM infighting. Critics accused him of attacking Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, after remarks about party loyalty. He rejects that interpretation.
He explains that his comments targeted party discipline, not individuals. He says those unhappy with ODM’s cooperation with UDA under the broad-based government should speak openly or leave. He insists he never singled out Winnie Odinga.
Salah says political rivals rushed to frame his words as an attack on the Odinga family. He believes the move aimed to deepen divisions and weaken unity within ODM.
He further addresses controversy around his claims that Raila once accused ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna of acting as a mole. Salah insists he stated facts as he knew them. He says he did not seek sympathy or political mileage.
Despite the backlash, Salah says he does not fear scrutiny. He invites any credible media house to interview him publicly. He says transparency will expose lies and restore truth.
He ends with a firm message. He says respect for Raila Odinga’s legacy demands honesty. He says lies and political games dishonor that legacy. Raila’s adopted son insists he stands for truth, dignity, and respect amid ODM wrangles and rising political tension.
