Businessman Oketch Salah has publicly rejected calls to soften remarks attributed to late ODM party leader Raila Odinga, even as Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga defended ODM’s strength and independence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The contrasting statements highlight ongoing debate within the party over its political direction and potential presidential ambitions.
Speaking during an interview on KTN News, Ruth Odinga urged caution against rushing into pre-election coalitions, arguing that the party must first consolidate its internal agenda and honour existing commitments. She noted that key pledges, including the 10-point agenda, remain incomplete.
“It is very premature for ODM to have that pact,” she said. “We really need to first get our house in order.”
She described ODM as politically influential and capable of fielding its own presidential candidate, emphasizing that the party should not appear reluctant to seek the country’s top seat.
“ODM is a very strong party. This is the woman everybody wants to marry,” she said, using a metaphor to illustrate the party’s appeal. “Even if somebody from ODM is willing to become the president, why would we say that ODM does not want to field a president?”
Ruth Odinga, the sister of the veteran opposition leader, has been a long-time mobiliser of ODM support in Nyanza and remains a key grassroots figure within the party.
However, Oketch Salah struck a different tone, insisting he would not withdraw remarks suggesting that Raila Odinga privately expressed support for President William Ruto seeking a second term.
Salah, a businessman who has on several occasions described himself as a confidant of Raila Odinga, said he was duty-bound to stand by his claims.
“Regarding what I have said about Baba's views on the broad-based government and support for His Excellency President William Samoei Ruto's second term, I will not retract my words,” Salah said.
He added that his position was grounded in personal conversations with the ODM leader.
“Baba was clear to me that he intended to endorse President Ruto for a second term. I am duty-bound to speak honestly about what he told me, without fear, without distortion and without seeking permission from anyone.”
Salah’s remarks have intensified debate within ODM over its future political direction, particularly amid ongoing national discussions about coalition politics and the viability of a broad-based government framework.