ODM Distances Itself from Oketch Salah’s Statements, Says Actions Were Personal
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued a formal clarification distancing itself from statements and activities undertaken by Oketch Salah, saying they were carried out strictly in his personal capacity and do not represent the party’s position or direction.
In a statement released on Friday and signed by ODM National Chairperson H.E. Gladys Wanga, EGH, the party stressed that only authorised officials, acting through established party structures, can speak or act on behalf of ODM.
“The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) wishes to clarify that any activities, statements, or engagements undertaken by Mr. Oketch Salah are carried out strictly in his personal capacity and do not represent or bind the Orange Democratic Movement in any way,” the statement read.
ODM further emphasised that all official party programmes, political engagements, and public communication must be channelled through the Party Secretariat and conducted under the guidance of the party leadership, headed by Party Leader Dr. Oburu Odinga.
The party also issued a caution to grassroots officials, members, and supporters against organising or participating in meetings, events, or initiatives under the ODM banner without prior consultation and approval from the leadership. According to the party, adherence to internal procedures is essential to maintaining unity, discipline, and coherence as it pursues its political agenda.
“All ODM activities must be properly sanctioned and coordinated to ensure order, discipline, and a common political direction,” the statement added.
The clarification follows remarks and actions by Oketch Salah that unsettled sections of the party leadership and supporters. In recent weeks, Salah had publicly portrayed himself as a close confidant and “adopted son” of the late ODM leader Raila Odinga. These claims were swiftly rejected by the Odinga family, who accused him of misrepresenting private interactions for political relevance.
Tensions escalated further after Salah claimed that Raila Odinga had issued specific political instructions in his final days regarding ODM’s future political alignment. Among the assertions was that Raila intended to support President William Ruto for a second term in the 2027 General Election, allegedly believing that such an endorsement would be more impactful if ODM remained united and strong.
Salah also alleged that Raila wanted ODM to remain within President Ruto’s broad-based government rather than return to the opposition benches. These remarks sparked sharp reactions within the party, where views remain divided over ODM’s relationship with the ruling administration.
In addition, Salah claimed that Raila had warned him about internal “rebels” within ODM, singling out Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna as a “mole” working for rival interests. He further alleged that Raila had urged the party to closely monitor or remove officials opposed to continued cooperation with the government.
Senior ODM figures and family members of the late party leader dismissed the claims as false, misleading, and potentially harmful. Party insiders warned that such statements risk distorting Raila Odinga’s legacy and sowing confusion among supporters at a time when ODM is navigating internal debates and broader national political realignments.
ODM officials have since reiterated that the party’s official position can only be communicated through its recognised leadership structures, urging members and the public to treat unauthorised statements with caution.
The development underscores ongoing sensitivities within ODM as it seeks to maintain internal cohesion while managing differing views on its political future ahead of the 2027 elections.
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ODM Distances Itself from Oketch Salah’s Statements, Says Actions Were Personal
