‘I WILL NOT BE TURNED INTO A VILLAIN’ RAILA ODINGA’S ADOPTED SON SALAH DECLARES

Raila Odinga’s adopted son Oketch Salah has broken his silence regarding his role during Odinga’s final illness, rejecting what he calls “malicious” narratives and “manufactured outrage.”

He set the record straight about his presence throughout Odinga’s health struggle. “I was with Baba Raila Odinga from the time he first fell ill until his final moments on earth. That is a fact,” Oketch said. “I do not say this for sympathy, relevance or political mileage; I say it because it is the truth.”

Oketch provided details of those private moments. “I was with Baba throughout his pain. I know what it felt like. There were moments I genuinely thought I was losing him,” he shared. “Moments when it was only me and one security guard present, holding Baba, trying to steady him, trying to help him through the pain. This is not a story. This is lived experience. For the record, that security officer was not Maurice Ogetta.”

Addressing speculation, Oketch firmly denied any disrespect toward the Odinga family. “I have never claimed to replace Baba’s family nor have I ever disrespected Mama Ida or his children. Any suggestion that I insulted, sidelined or spoke ill of them is false and malicious. I reject it completely.”

He revealed that during this period, Odinga entrusted him with private discussions. “Baba and I had extensive conversations; personal, political and strategic, many of which he chose to have with me privately.” Out of respect, Oketch vowed not to disclose the content, stating, “Silence should never be mistaken for fear or falsehood.”

Challenging his critics, he issued a public invitation for scrutiny, “I am not afraid of scrutiny. I am ready and willing to be interviewed publicly on these matters; at any time, on any credible platform. Truth does not fear examination.”

He concluded with a defence of his position. “What I will not accept is being turned into a convenient villain so others can fight internal battles or rewrite lived history… Some things are not for noise, timelines or propaganda. Pain deserves dignity, not spectacle.”

“I know where I stood. I know what I did. And I know what Baba entrusted me with,” Oketch stated. “I stand firmly by this truth and will not be dragged into manufactured outrage or distractions.”