- The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially distanced itself from Migori businessman Oketch Salah, clarifying that his political activities are personal
- ODM’s clarification follows Salah’s recent youth mobilisation event at KICC, where participants wore ODM-branded T-shirts featuring President William Ruto
- Gladys Wanga directed that all party programs must be coordinated through the ODM Secretariat under the guidance of party leader, Siaya senator Oburu Oginga
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Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi: In a sudden turn of events, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has publicly distanced itself from Migori businessman Oketch Salah.
Source: Facebook
In a statement, released just after midnight on Saturday, February 7, by ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga, the Orange party declared that Salah’s political engagements are purely personal and not sanctioned by the party.
This comes amid growing confusion over the self-declared former prime minister Raila Odinga’s adopted son’s grassroots activities targeting youth mobilisation.
“The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) wishes to clarify that any activities, statements, or engagements undertaken by Mr. Oketch Salah are carried out strictly in his personal capacity and do not represent or bind the Orange Democratic Movement in any way,” the statement read in part.
The Homa Bay county boss added that all party programs must be channelled through the party’s secretariat under the guidance of ODM party leader, Siaya senator Oburu Oginga.
Wanga’s decision to publicly distance ODM from Salah’s activities followed heightened scrutiny after his recent event at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) dubbed Linda Comrades.
During the gathering, participants donned ODM-branded T-shirts while sporting caps featuring the portrait of President William Ruto, the UDA party leader.
What did ODM tell its grassroots officials?
ODM’s midnight statement sought to draw a firm line, warning grassroots leaders, members, and supporters against organising activities in the party’s name without prior consultation.
Wanga further framed her advisory to the party’s grassroots officials as an attempt to restore discipline within ODM ranks ahead of future engagements.
“Grassroots leaders, members, and supporters are therefore advised that no activities should be organised or conducted in the name of ODM without prior consultation and approval from the party leadership and the secretariat. The party remains committed to order, discipline, and structured engagement in the pursuit of its objectives,” she added.
Source: Facebook
Who is Migori businessman Oketch Salah?
In a related report, Salah moved to clarify his relationship with Raila amid public scrutiny.
During a charity event, Salah said he was born and raised in Migori in a business family and did not grow up in Raila’s household.
He explained that they met later in his adult life, describing the ODM leader as a mentor who treated him like a son, adding that Raila was widely regarded as a father figure by many Kenyans.
Salah recounted that the “adopted son” label emerged after Raila sent him to represent him at the funeral of Dalmus Otieno.
He said he had questioned the capacity in which he would attend, and Raila told him he would go as his adopted son.
He also dismissed claims of a rift with Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, maintaining they remained on good terms.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
