A public disagreement between Ruth Odinga and businessman Oketch Salah has intensified following remarks concerning personal ties and political representation connected to the late opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Speaking during a televised interview, Odinga said she does not know Salah despite his previous assertions suggesting a close relationship with her family.
She questioned the propriety of his public statements about private conversations allegedly held with her late brother, stressing that such matters should remain confidential.
“If at all he was my brother’s friend or son, as he says it, he should have had the integrity that if my brother talked to him and confided in him, he should not have come out to say that my brother told him this and that,” she said.
The Kisumu Woman Representative further appealed for privacy, urging Salah to respect the family’s space as they continue to mourn and preserve their dignity.
She also clarified that party leadership had addressed the matter internally and resolved that Salah should not speak on behalf of the party because he is not a registered member.
“I’d like him to please give us space as a family to be a family,” she added, noting her surprise at his continued public commentary.
In a swift response, Salah dismissed the claims as inaccurate and defended his past association with the late leader, popularly known as Baba.
He emphasized that his relationship was personal and should not be interpreted as an attempt to gain political relevance or proximity to the family.
“It is unfortunate that you chose to go before a major media house and make statements that are not accurate,” Salah said.
He further stated that Odinga is free to distance herself from him, insisting that he has never forced interactions or sought recognition from the family.
“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.
Salah reiterated that his relationship was solely with the late leader and did not extend to other members of the Odinga family.
“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,” he added.
The exchange has sparked discussion within political and social circles, particularly among supporters of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), about legacy, loyalty, and the boundaries of personal relationships in public life.