Oketch Salah is widely recognized as a close confidant and adopted son of the late former Prime Minister Raila OdingaHe was often seen accompanying Raila during periods of illness and during travels abroad for treatment.

He became even more popular in 2025, particularly toward the demise of Raila, when he was often depicted as the man handling aspects of the former leader’s care.

According to media reports, despite being widely referred to as “Dr.”or “personal medic”, there’s no record of Oketch Salah in the official list of medical practitioners in the country, suggesting he lacks a formally verified medical qualification.

Due to that, certain sources question the claim that he was Raila’s “personal physician,” arguing that another doctor (a registered neurosurgeon) held that role in an official capacity.

His family is originally from Migori, and before his ascension to the limelight, he was said to have been a businessman.

Recent Public Visibility & Influence

Abdinoor Oketch Salah, the son of Oketch Salah, got married in late October 2025 at a wedding event at Serena Hotel, Nairobi, which was attended by high-profile people.

At a party conference following the death of Raila, Oketch gave an address on political developments in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), saying that Raila had confided in him about plans for 2027.

Another incident was captured in the State House on December 2, 2025, alongside the president and ODM Party leader Dr. Oburu Odinga.

“Today, we celebrated the victory of the Broad-Based Government alongside the newly elected MPs and MCAs at StateHouse,” he said.

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What Is Controversial / Not Clear?

The greatest controversy: While most media houses refer to him as a doctor or personal medic, there is valid documentation indicating that he is not a registered medical practitioner.

However, Oketch has a notable reputation for animal health.

It is reported that he performed complex animal surgeries, including three successful brain operations on hippopotamuses in Muhuru Bay and a heart surgery on a hyena in Seme.

He is also credited with halting the spread of coronavirus among animals in the Serengeti and Maasai Mara National Parks and improving the Raboral VRG vaccine—achievements accomplished through his innate skill rather than textbooks.

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Is Oketch Salah Related to Haji Family

On November 29, 2025, he attended the wedding ceremony of the son of the Director-General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), Noordin Haji together with other high officials.

He took to his X account, stating, “Honoured to join Dr. Oburu Odinga in celebrating my cousin Noordin Haji’s son on his wedding day. Congratulations to the happy couple!”

This statement caused a lot of controversy on the internet, with others claiming Muslims do refer to each other as cousins.

Questions have also arisen about whether Salah is related to Haji.

Salah comes from Migori, while Haji hails from Garissa.

No evidence supports their relationship, as no clear reports exist beyond public allegations.

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1. Oketch Salah pictured alongside President Ruto and Dr Oburu

Image/@SalahX