Odinga Family Rift: Winnie and Raila Junior Slam ‘Adopted Son’ Oketch Salah

This explosive exchange, highlighted in recent Kenya Times coverage, has ignited debates about legacy, truth, and political maneuvering in Kenya’s opposition circles.

Roots of the Dispute

Oketch Salah emerged into the spotlight after Raila Odinga’s death, positioning himself as the former prime minister’s “adopted son” and close confidant during his illness.

He shared emotional accounts of being present from the onset of Raila’s sickness until his last breath, describing intimate moments alone with Raila and one security guard, plus private talks on politics and strategy.

These revelations drew skepticism, especially as Salah was largely unknown publicly before Raila’s passing.

Winnie Odinga’s Fiery Response

In a January 27 TV interview on Citizen TV with Yvonne Okwara, Winnie Odinga labeled Salah’s claims a “flat-out lie” and “dangerous,” insisting he was not present at her father’s death.

She suggested Salah belonged in “Mathare [Mental Hospital] or DCI [Directorate of Criminal Investigations],” accusing him of exploiting Raila’s death for personal gain and manipulation.

“I have met Oketch Salah but I’d like to believe nobody really knows him. A flat-out lie that you were there at the time of my father’s death and you were not and talking about things that did not occur is quite dangerous and makes me question his intentions. He should be rushed to either Mathare or DCI with immediate effect,” Winnie Odinga stated during the interview.

Winnie emphasized that accurate accounts of her father’s final moments matter deeply to the family.

This unified front from the Odinga siblings underscores family loyalty amid external narratives seeking to reshape Raila’s legacy.

“Raila Odinga has been a defender for Kenyans for the past 40 years. ODM has not fulfilled its mandate openly. I am disappointed in Salah, and he should actually show respect for the deceased, “Winnie added.

Salah responded calmly on social media, standing by his story as “real, painful, and lived” while holding back direct rebuttals out of respect for Ida Odinga.

“I watched last night’s interview on Citizen TV with Ivonne Okwara where Winnie spoke about me. Because of the respect I have for Her Excellency the Ambassador, Mama Ida Min Piny from Migori, I chose to remain quiet. That was a deliberate decision.”

He vowed a forthcoming interview to provide full clarity, rejecting accusations of seeking sympathy or political mileage.

“However, some things need clarity. I stand by everything I said about my last moments with Baba. Those moments were real, painful, and lived. I will respond in an interview soon,” Oketch Salah stated.

The post quickly drew significant attention, including a pointed dismissal from Raila Odinga Junior, who replied directly to Salah’s statement with one word: “Nonsense”.

This clash extends beyond personal grievances, touching on control of Raila Odinga’s enduring influence in Kenyan politics, especially with 2027 elections looming.

As factions within ODM and Azimio realign some whispers linking Salah to Oburu Odinga’s camp or even Ruto sympathizers the feud risks fracturing the opposition narrative.

It raises questions: Who truly shapes Baba’s story? And could this signal deeper rifts in Nyanza politics? Kenya’s political scene thrives on such dramas, but for the Odingas, protecting Raila’s memory remains paramount. Expect more revelations soon