Odinga Family Rejects Oketch Salah’s Claims
A public dispute has emerged within the Odinga family after Raila Odinga Jr. and Winnie Odinga strongly dismissed claims by Oketch Salah, who has described himself as the late Raila Odinga’s “adopted son.”
The disagreement, which has lingered since Raila Odinga’s death in October 2025, escalated this week following media appearances and social media exchanges that drew national attention.
Raila Jr. Rejects Narrative
The latest confrontation unfolded after Oketch Salah posted online defending his account of Raila Odinga’s final days in India. Salah described his experience as “real, painful, and lived,” adding that he had previously remained silent out of respect for Ida Odinga.
Raila Odinga Jr. responded directly to the post with a single-word dismissal — “Nonsense” — a response that quickly went viral and signaled the family’s firm rejection of Salah’s claims.
Winnie Odinga Denies Deathbed Account
In an interview with Citizen TV’s Yvonne Okwara, Winnie Odinga categorically denied that Oketch Salah was present during her father’s final moments in Kerala, India.
She described Salah’s detailed public accounts of Raila Odinga’s last words as false and misleading.
“He was not there,” Winnie stated. “These claims are fabrications and risk misleading the public while interfering with my father’s legacy.”
Winnie also questioned Salah’s recent proximity to the family, suggesting it was opportunistic rather than based on any formal or personal relationship.
Divisions Within the Extended Family
While Raila Odinga’s immediate children have rejected Salah’s assertions, differing views have surfaced within the wider Odinga family.
- Opposition: Winnie Odinga and Raila Odinga Jr. maintain that Salah has no legitimate familial link and has misrepresented his role.
- Support: Senator Oburu Oginga, Raila Odinga’s elder brother, has previously referred to Salah as a “son” and credited him for offering support during Raila’s illness.
What Lies Ahead
Despite the public rejection by Raila Odinga’s children, Oketch Salah has indicated that he plans to give a detailed interview to further explain his relationship with the former prime minister.
As the ODM party navigates a transition following Raila Odinga’s death, the dispute has added strain to a family and political legacy long regarded as unified, raising questions about how internal divisions may shape the party’s future.
