NAIROBI, Kenya — The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has publicly distanced itself from businessman Oketch Salah, clarifying that his recent engagements and statements do not represent or bind the party, National Chairperson Gladys Wanga has said.
In a statement, signed by the Homa Bay Governor, the party said any activities undertaken by Salah were conducted strictly in his personal capacity and lacked official sanction from the party leadership.
“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.
The clarification follows heightened attention on Salah after a recent event he organised at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, where attendees were seen wearing ODM‑branded merchandise, including shirts and caps featuring imagery linked to political figures outside the party’s traditional leadership.
Statement by the National Chairperson @gladyswanga
ODM emphasised that all official party programmes and political activities must be coordinated through the Party Secretariat under the leadership of Senator Oburu Odinga, the current party leader.
Wanga warned party officials, members and supporters against organising or participating in events under the ODM banner without proper authorisation from the party’s leadership.
The move to publicly distance the party from Salah highlights internal tensions within one of Kenya’s oldest opposition parties, following weeks of debate over Salah’s role and public positioning.
His mobilisation efforts and statements have drawn both support and criticism, with some questioning his alignment with traditional party structures and messaging.
Salah has emerged as a prominent figure in recent political discourse, after alleging that he was the late Raila Odinga’s adopted son.
The claims were, however, refuted by Odinga’s daughter Winnie, who said Salah should go for a mental check-up or DCI Headquarters.
