Oketch Salah Strikes Back At Ruth Odinga In Explosive Public Feud

Migori businessman Oketch Salah has fired back at Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, sparking a bitter public feud that has sent shockwaves through political circles. The row intensified after Ruth publicly disowned Salah, questioning his ties to the late Raila Odinga and distancing both the Odinga family and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) from his political activities.

Salah responded in a fiery statement on X on February 19, 2026, defending his close association with Raila and accusing Ruth of spreading inaccurate claims.

The clash highlights growing tensions over Raila’s legacy, party leadership, and the influence of outsiders in ODM politics. Salah insists his involvement was personal, tied solely to Raila, while Ruth maintains he has no authority to speak on family or party matters.

The Oketch Salah-Ruth Odinga feud has now moved beyond private disagreements into a highly public battle over legacy, loyalty, and political influence within ODM. Both sides are determined not to back down, leaving the party and the public to witness one of the most bitter political exchanges in recent Kenyan history. [Photo//Courtesy]

Oketch Salah-Ruth Odinga Feud Turns Fierce With Blistering Accusations

Oketch Salah wasted no time addressing Ruth Odinga directly. In his X statement, he described her public remarks as “unfortunate” and “inaccurate,” insisting that his connection was always with the late Raila Odinga alone.

“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,” Salah wrote. “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.”

Salah also provided specific examples of his support for the Odinga family. He claimed he was instrumental in bringing Ruth to India at Raila’s invitation, arranging her business-class travel and coordinating her stay. Salah explained that he returned to Kenya early only because Raila asked him to attend his son’s wedding, which had been repeatedly postponed due to the elder Odinga’s health.

He stressed that his political engagement was driven by Raila’s instructions, not personal ambition. “I come from a well-established business family. I am self-sufficient, and whatever I have done for ODM was at Baba’s request,” he said.

Salah also reminded Ruth that ODM belongs to the Kenyan people, not a single family. He warned against internal fights, highlighting the responsibilities of party leaders such as Dr. Oburu Odinga. He cautioned that disrespecting leadership could have consequences for her in the future.

Ruth Odinga Rejects Salah’s Claims

Ruth Odinga struck back a day earlier, distancing herself from Salah and questioning the depth of his relationship with the Odinga family. Speaking on local TV on February 18, 2026, she said she had met Salah only three times.

“I really don’t know him that well. I am one of the people surprised that he says he knows me,” she said. She criticized Salah for revealing private conversations with her late brother, saying, “If at all he was my brother’s friend, he should have had the integrity not to disclose private talks.”

Ruth also requested space for the family during their grief and emphasized that Salah has no right to speak on behalf of ODM since he is not a party member. She disputed his claims of being present at Raila’s final moments in India, asserting that she was with her brother until the end.

Family Backlash Intensifies

The feud extends beyond Ruth. Earlier, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga condemned Salah’s claims about Raila’s final moments, calling them lies and questioning his intentions. She said his statements crossed a line, veering into deliberate misinformation.

“He should be rushed to either Mathare or DCI with immediate effect,” Winnie Odinga said, expressing outrage over Salah’s public assertions.

Salah, meanwhile, has continued to defend his narrative. He claimed he was with Raila from the onset of his illness until his last moments, describing their relationship as deeply personal and emotionally significant. He framed his statements not as a political move but as a tribute to Raila’s memory, insisting on honesty without fear or distortion.

Oketch Salah, a prominent businessman from Migori, gained attention in Raila’s last months for sharing updates about the elder statesman’s health. While some family members and party officials reject his claims, Salah remains steadfast, emphasizing his loyalty to Raila and asserting that his role was personal, not political.