Oketch Salah Speaks Out on Raila Odinga’s Last Moments

Renowned Migori businessman Oketch Salah has broken his silence amid growing public scrutiny over his relationship with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, dismissing claims that he has been misrepresenting his role during Odinga’s final days.

In a statement dated Tuesday, January 20, 2026, responding to widespread social media criticism, Salah denied allegations that he has been moving around the country, particularly at Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) gatherings, falsely claiming to have been the only person by Raila Odinga’s side before his death.

Salah maintained that, although he was not alone, he was among those present with the late ODM leader during his illness and final moments, insisting that his remarks had not been driven by political ambition or a quest for public sympathy.

“I was with Baba Raila Odinga from the time he first fell ill until his final moments on earth. That is a fact. I do not say this for sympathy, relevance, or political mileage; I say it because it is the truth,” Salah said.

Oketch Salah Insists He Was With Raila Odinga in His Final Days

He explained that there were moments during that period when Odinga’s condition worsened, adding that at times he and one of Odinga’s security aides were the only people assisting him.

“There were moments I genuinely thought I was losing him. Moments when it was only me and one of his security aides, holding Baba, trying to steady him, trying to help him through the pain. This is not a story. This is lived experience,” he said.

Also Read: Oburu Odinga Joins Raila’s Adopted Son Oketch Salah During Son’s Wedding

Salah, who has been referring to himself as Raila Odinga’s ‘adopted son’, said he and the former prime minister held numerous private conversations before he died.

However, he declined to reveal their contents out of respect for Odinga and his family.

“During that period, Baba and I had extensive conversations which were personal, political, and strategic, many of which he chose to have with me privately. I will not disclose those discussions out of respect for him and his family. Silence should not be mistaken for falsehood or fear,” he stated.

The businessman addressed the controversy surrounding his description of National Intelligence Service Director-General Noordin Haji as his “cousin.”

He explained that he used the term culturally, not in a literal sense.

According to Salah, in Somali and Islamic culture, it is common to refer to elders or close community members as uncles, cousins, brothers, or aunts as a sign of respect and social closeness, not blood relations.

“Using such language does not amount to claiming a genealogical relationship. Twisting cultural norms into accusations of fraud is either ignorance or bad faith,” he said.

Migori Businessman Denies Sidelining Ida Odinga and Children

Additionally, Salah rejected claims that he had attempted to sideline Raila Odinga’s family or shown disrespect toward his widow, Ida Odinga, and their children.

“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 said.

Also Read: Who is Oketch Salah?

Salah further said he was not afraid of public scrutiny and expressed readiness to address the matter on any credible platform.

“I am ready and willing to be interviewed publicly on these matters, at any time. Truth does not fear examination,” he stated.

The clarification comes after a section of Kenyans accused Salah of spreading false claims about conversations he allegedly had with Raila Odinga shortly before his death, including assertions that Odinga had indicated ODM would support President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027 and fully back the broad-based government arrangement.

Those claims have sparked debate and disagreement among ODM supporters and several politicians.

Salah, however, maintained that he would not be drawn into what he described as manufactured outrage or political theatrics, insisting that his relationship with the former prime minister was known, consistent, and permitted by Odinga himself.

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Oketch Salah and the late Raila during their happy moments
Image/Salah/X