Political aide Oketch Salah has challenged claims made by East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga regarding his presence during the final moments of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Speaking on Citizen TV on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, Winnie Odinga said Salah’s account of being by her father’s side when he died was not accurate. She raised concerns about the credibility of such claims and called for truth and clarity on the sensitive issue.
“This is not accurate. Claims about Baba’s final moments should reflect the truth, and unfortunately, that account does not,” Winnie said.
A day later, on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Salah responded through social media, saying he had watched the interview in which Winnie addressed his claims.
“Out of respect for Her Excellency Ambassador Mama Ida Odinga, I chose to remain quiet. That was a deliberate and personal decision,” Salah said.
However, he noted that some of Winnie’s statements required clarification.
“I stand by everything I have said about my last moments with Baba. Those moments were real, painful and lived. I will respond in an interview soon,” he added.
The exchange comes amid growing public interest in Raila Odinga’s final days, with different accounts emerging from aides, politicians and family members.
Salah has previously maintained that he was with Odinga from the time he first fell ill until his death, dismissing claims that he exaggerated his role for sympathy or political gain.
“I was with Baba Raila Odinga from the time he first fell ill until his final moments on earth. That is a fact,” Salah said.
He further claimed that there were moments when only one security officer was present as he helped Odinga through intense pain, adding that the officer was not Maurice Ogeta, a name widely mentioned on social media.
“These are lived experiences, not stories,” he said.
Salah also said he had private discussions with Odinga during his illness but would not reveal details out of respect for the family.
“Silence should never be mistaken for fear or falsehood,” he said.
He denied claims that he sidelined or disrespected Odinga’s family, including Mama Ida Odinga and the former Prime Minister’s children.
“I have never claimed to replace Baba’s family or disrespected them in any way. Any such claims are false and malicious,” Salah said.
Salah said he was ready to be interviewed on any credible platform and welcomed public scrutiny, while warning against attempts to make him a scapegoat in ongoing political or personal disputes within Odinga’s wider circle.
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