Self-proclaimed Raila Odinga adopted son Oketch Salah has hit back at Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga following her clarification that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) did not sanction his recent youth mobilisation activities at the grassroots.
Governor Wanga had distanced the party from the initiative after images emerged showing youths wearing branded T-shirts associated with President William Ruto, prompting questions over ODM’s involvement.
In a strongly worded statement, Salah insisted that the mobilisation drive was personally funded and motivated purely by his commitment to strengthening ODM, not by instructions from the party leadership.
“Everything I have been doing has only one purpose — to popularise and strengthen ODM. The resources I have been using are my own personal resources,” Salah said.
He added that he neither sought nor received funding from ODM and described the initiative as his personal contribution to a party he believes needs renewed energy, especially at the grassroots.
Salah also issued an apology to Governor Wanga if his actions were perceived as disrespectful, maintaining that his intentions were never to undermine party leadership.
Further, he claimed that his loyalty to ODM is anchored in a personal vow made to the late Raila Odinga, stating that he promised to stand with the party and safeguard its legacy.
Despite the backlash, Salah vowed to continue supporting ODM in his individual capacity, insisting that the party must continuously reconnect with ordinary supporters to remain relevant ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“I remain ODM. I believe in ODM. And I will continue to stand with ODM out of love for the party and out of respect for Baba’s legacy,” he stated.
