Political analyst Abdullahi Derow has publicly urged activist Oketch Salah to step back from a growing public dispute with the Odinga family, warning that continued confrontation could cause lasting reputational damage and shift attention away from substantive political engagement.
In a detailed message shared on social media, Derow framed his intervention as an appeal rooted in brotherhood and concern, rather than criticism.
He cited shared faith and cultural ties with Salah, arguing that personal identity and belief should not be compromised by political ambition or proximity to powerful families.
Derow’s remarks follow Winnie Odinga’s first television interview since the death of her father, ODM leader Raila Odinga.
Appearing on Citizen TV’s NewsNight on January 27, 2026, Winnie addressed the future of the Orange Democratic Movement, the loyalty of party leaders, and the personal toll of bereavement.
The interview drew significant public attention for its emotional tone and political implications.
During the conversation, Winnie addressed claims previously made by Salah regarding his relationship with the Odinga family. She stated that she had only met him once and did not know him personally.
Winnie firmly rejected assertions that Salah was an adopted son of Raila Odinga or that he was present during the family’s final moments with the veteran politician, describing the claims as false and deeply inappropriate.
Winnie also questioned the timing and motive behind the narratives, noting that they intruded into a family space defined by grief.
Her reference to Mathare Hospital and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations underscored the seriousness with which she viewed the matter.
While some viewers debated her tone, the message from the family was widely interpreted as clear and uncompromising.
The aftermath was swift. Media outlets amplified Winnie’s remarks, while social media platforms became arenas for intense debate.
Raila Odinga Jr publicly dismissed a photograph circulating online that was said to support Salah’s claims, calling it misleading.
In his message, Derow noted that despite the public rebuttal, Salah maintained that he stood by his statements after watching the interview.
Derow cautioned that persistence in the face of explicit rejection risked inviting ridicule and prolonged scrutiny rather than projecting strength or principle.
He described the Odinga family as more than a political household, portraying it as an institution shaped by decades of struggle, loyalty, and sacrifice.
According to Derow, association with such a family is conferred, not claimed, and contested claims ultimately become a burden rather than an asset.
Derow further observed that the controversy had already shifted public discourse away from policy and ideas to questions of identity, intention, and mental well-being.
He warned that such debates erode credibility and distract from meaningful political contribution.
Concluding his appeal, Derow urged Salah to preserve his dignity and carve an independent path, arguing that respect for admired leaders does not require intrusion into private grief.
He suggested that restraint and silence, rather than defiance, could help de-escalate the situation as the political and public conversation continues.