Oketch Salah has no role in ODM, says Ruth Odinga

Kisumu county women representative, Ruth Odinga./FILES

Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has firmly disowned political activist Oketch Salah, declaring that he has no role in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and distancing both the party and the Odinga family from his recent political activities.

Speaking on Wednesday night during a TV interview amid rising concerns over Salah’s public appearances and rallies linked to ODM, Ruth said the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) had already resolved that he is not a 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 County Woman Representative also dismissed claims by Salah suggesting he has close personal ties with the Odinga family, saying she barely knows him.

“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 asked him to respect the family’s privacy and stop associating himself with them.

“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 at a time when Salah has been actively organising and addressing political rallies, including the “Linda Comrade” forums, which he has linked to ODM’s political agenda.

During the rallies, Salah has been seen mobilising youth and defending ODM’s leadership, at times presenting himself as a loyal supporter and defender of the party.

The events have drawn attention and sparked confusion among sections of supporters, with some perceiving him as an official party representative, despite ODM leaders maintaining that he holds no position.

Suna East MP Junet Mohamed also publicly warned Salah against holding rallies and printing ODM shirts with additional information that is not authorised by the party.

Ruth’s statement now clarifies the party’s position, emphasising that Salah has no mandate to represent ODM or speak on its behalf.

The clarification also signals growing concern within ODM over individuals operating outside its formal structures while invoking its name and leadership.

Her remarks are expected to settle questions over Salah’s standing in the party, even as he continues to maintain a visible presence in political mobilisation activities associated with ODM.