Businessman Oketch Salah has responded to remarks by Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, who said she has only met him three times and does not know him well.
Speaking in an interview with KTN News, Ruth dismissed claims that Salah had close personal ties with the Odinga family.
“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 also stated that Salah was not present in India when her brother, Raila Odinga, passed away.
“By the time I got to India, I never saw him. I’m the one who was with my brother when he passed away… I don’t know him,” she added.
Salah: “My Relationship Was With Baba”
In a statement issued on Thursday, February 19, Salah said he has never forced himself into Ruth’s life or sought her attention.
“Let me be clear from the outset: if you do not wish to associate with me, that is entirely your choice. I have never forced myself into your life, and I have never sought your attention,” he said.
He maintained that his relationship was solely with the late Raila Odinga.
“My relationship was with your late brother, Baba, and that relationship stood on its own. It had nothing to do with any other member of the family.”
Claims Over India Trip
Salah further claimed that he was the one who convinced Raila to allow Ruth to travel to India after receiving calls from Jeff Oyier indicating she wished to join them.
He also alleged that he arranged a business-class ticket on Emirates for her.
“For the record, I am the one who convinced Baba to have you join us in India… I am also the one who arranged your business class ticket on Emirates,” he stated.
According to Salah, he returned to Kenya earlier at Raila’s request to finalise arrangements for his son’s wedding, which had been postponed several times due to Raila’s health.
“The only reason I returned earlier was because Baba personally asked me to go back to Kenya to conclude my son’s wedding… I was supposed to meet Baba again in Dubai on Thursday, after his arrival from Kerala,” he disclosed.
Calls for Family Unity
At the same time, Salah urged Ruth to stop feuding with her elder brother, Oburu Odinga, who is also the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The exchange has drawn public attention, highlighting tensions surrounding Raila Odinga’s final days and relationships within the broader Odinga family circle.
