Businessman Oketch Salah has responded to Ruth Odinga following her television interview on Wednesday evening in which she addressed his alleged role in the final days of Raila Odinga in India and his links to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
In a statement on Thursday, Salah said Ruth has the right to choose whether to associate with him. He claimed he facilitated her travel to India after receiving calls from Jeff Oyier indicating she wished to travel.
“I am also the one who arranged your business class ticket on Emirates,” Salah said.
He added that he returned to Kenya earlier than expected to attend his son’s wedding, which he said had been postponed several times. Salah further stated that his involvement in ODM matters was at Raila Odinga’s request and noted that he comes from a business family.
“I also say this with respect: you should stop fighting your elder brother, who is the current party leader. Dr. Oburu Odinga did not simply assume a position; he carries responsibility, and Baba entrusted me, in good faith, to work with him,” he said.
Salah maintained that his previous statements about Raila Odinga were truthful.
However, Ruth Odinga firmly distanced herself and the party from Salah’s activities. Speaking during a TV interview, she said ODM’s National Executive Council had resolved that he is not a party member and should not speak on its behalf.
“In the party, we also agreed in the NEC that Oketch Salah is not supposed to be allowed to talk on behalf of the party because he is not a party member. I am surprised that I keep seeing him come out and do what he does,” she said.
The Kisumu Woman Representative also dismissed claims that Salah has close personal ties with the Odinga family.
“I really don’t know him that well, but I am surprised he is one of the people who speaks and says that he knows me. In my whole life, I have met Salah three times,” she said.
She further urged him to respect the family’s privacy.
“If he was my brother’s friend or adopted son, as he claims, I would like to ask him to please give us space as a family to be a family,” she added.
Her remarks come amid growing attention over Salah’s political activities, including organising and addressing rallies such as the “Linda Comrade” forums, which he has linked to ODM’s political agenda. During these events, he has mobilised youth and defended ODM leadership, at times presenting himself as a loyal supporter of the party.
The activities have caused confusion among some supporters, with sections of the public perceiving him as an official party representative despite ODM leaders maintaining he holds no position.
Junet Mohamed has also warned Salah against holding rallies and printing ODM-branded shirts with unauthorised messaging.
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