Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has publicly distanced herself, the Orange Democratic Movement and the Odinga family from political activist Oketch Salah, saying he has no role in the party.
Speaking on Wednesday night during a television interview, Ruth said ODM’s National Executive Council (NEC) had already resolved that Salah is not a party member and should not speak on its behalf. Her remarks come amid growing attention over Salah’s public appearances and rallies that he has linked to ODM.
“In the party, we also agreed in the NEC that Oketch Salah is not supposed to be allowed to talk on behalf of the party because he is not a party member. I am surprised that I keep seeing him come out and do what he does,” she said.
Ruth dismissed suggestions by Salah that he enjoys close personal ties with the Odinga family, saying she barely knows him.
“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 asked him to stop associating himself with the family and respect their privacy.
“If he was my brother’s friend or adopted son, as he claims, I would like to ask him to please give us space as a family to be a family,” she added.
Salah has in recent weeks organised and addressed political rallies, including the “Linda Comrade” forums, which he has associated with ODM’s political agenda. At those events, he has mobilised youth and defended the party’s leadership, at times presenting himself as a loyal supporter and vocal defender.
The appearances have sparked confusion among some supporters, with sections of the public perceiving him as an official party representative, even as ODM leaders insist he holds no position within its structures.
Suna East MP Junet Mohamed has also cautioned Salah against holding rallies and printing ODM-branded shirts with additional information not authorised by the party.
Ruth’s remarks now make the party’s position clear: Salah has no mandate to represent ODM or speak for it. They also point to unease within the party over individuals operating outside its formal structures while invoking its name and leadership.
