Oketch Salah has responded to Ruth Odinga's claims that she barely knows him, stating his relationship was with the late Raila Odinga. He clarified his role in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and addressed her accusations. The war of words continues amid family and party tensions.
In a KTN interview on Wednesday night, Ruth Odinga refuted claims of knowing Oketch Salah, saying she has met him only about three times in her life and does not wish to engage in discussions about him. She also accused him of interfering in party affairs despite not being a member, adding that Raila had discussed preventing him from speaking on behalf of ODM.
On Thursday, Salah disputed these claims, stating that any interactions between them were initiated by her, not him. He emphasized his long-standing and personal relationship with the late Raila Odinga, detailing his role in facilitating her travel to India, including arranging a business-class ticket and convincing Raila to allow her to join. "The only reason I returned earlier was that Baba personally asked me to go back to Kenya to conclude my son's wedding, which had been postponed several times due to his health," he stated.
Salah claimed he spent most of Raila's final moments with him in India, describing those times as real, painful, and significant. He urged Ruth to stop conflicting with her elder brother and party leader, Oburu Odinga, asserting that his position stems from responsibilities entrusted by Raila. Salah also defended ODM's support for President William Ruto's reelection bid, saying Raila had communicated his intention to endorse Ruto, and he felt duty-bound to report this accurately.
