By Anderson Ojwang
The self-declared and besieged “adopted son” of the enigma, the late Raila Odinga, Oketch Salah, finds himself on the cross and now has more questions on his identity and intent than he had bargained for.
Winnie Odinga, in a Citizen TV interview, said he was a stranger and should either be taken to Mathari Hospital or the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters for interrogation.
“I have met Oketch Salah, but I would like to believe nobody really knows him. I also feel sad for him. My father died, and that was a traumatic experience for me. At least he died with somebody he knew loved him, and people need to take care of their loved ones.
When you leave here and take Thika Road, you have two options: you either turn right as if you are going to Mathari or to DCI, because a flat lie that you were there at the time of my father’s death — when you were not — and talking about things that did not occur is quite dangerous and makes me question a lot of things. What would be those intentions?
He should be rushed to either Mathari or DCI with immediate effect,” she said.
Oketch recently claimed on his social media platforms that he is Raila’s adopted son and that he was with him at his deathbed and when he first fell ill.
“I was with Baba Raila Odinga from the time he first fell ill until his final moments on earth. That is a fact. I do not say this for sympathy, relevance, or political mileage; I say it because it is the truth.
I was with Baba throughout his pain. I know what it felt like. There were moments I genuinely thought I was losing him — moments when it was only me and one security guard present, holding Baba, trying to steady him, trying to help him through the pain. This is not a story.
This is lived experience.
For the record, that security officer was not Maurice Ogetta.
During that period, Baba and I had extensive conversations — personal, political, and strategic — many of which he chose to have with me privately. Out of respect for him and his family, I will not disclose those discussions. Silence should never be mistaken for fear or falsehood.
I have never claimed to replace Baba’s family, nor have I ever disrespected Mama Ida or his children. Any suggestion that I insulted, sidelined, or spoke ill of them is false and malicious. I reject it completely.
I am not afraid of scrutiny. I am ready and willing to be interviewed publicly on these matters at any time, on any credible platform. Truth does not fear examination.
What I will not accept is being turned into a convenient villain so others can fight internal battles or rewrite lived history. I did not force myself into anyone’s life. I was present because Baba allowed me to be present — consistently and knowingly.
So, bwana wacheni. You do not understand. Hamuelewi. Wallahi.
Some things are not for noise, timelines, or propaganda. Pain deserves dignity, not spectacle.
I know where I stood. I know what I did. And I know what Baba entrusted me with. Those facts do not change because of online mobs or political theatrics. I stand firmly by this truth and will not be dragged into manufactured outrage or distractions.
I want to clear something up: the security officer who was with me that night was not Maurice Ogetta. That incident happened late at night, and Ogetta was already off duty. I was with another member of Baba’s security detail, who is also his relative, Francis Ogolla.
That evening at Baba’s Karen residence, we had just finished watching the Manchester City vs Arsenal match. I was escorting Baba so he could go and rest. As we walked, I noticed something wasn’t right. He suddenly became weak and was close to passing out.
I quickly moved to support him, and he fell onto my chest. I called out to Francis to bring a chair, and while he rushed for it, I held Baba carefully and helped him sit. In those few moments, with Baba leaning on me, I honestly thought things would take a different turn that night. It was a heavy moment — confusing, frightening, and painful to witness.
By God’s mercy, Baba regained consciousness shortly after.
I also want to say this clearly: Maurice Ogetta served Baba faithfully for many years. We went through a lot together while caring for him. Ogetta was with Baba in India, all the way to the very end. What he did for Baba is something only God can truly reward.
Thank you, Maurice. Your dedication will never be forgotten,” he wrote.
Oketch Salah has, all of a sudden, become the new kid on the block, meeting with President William Ruto, ODM party leader Dr. Oburu Oginga, and appearing frequently at ODM rallies.
Salah is currently a top crusader of President Ruto’s re-election and was recently hosted by Nyakach MP Aduma Owuor at his Kisumu home.
“Paid a courtesy visit to Hon. Aduma Owuor, the MP for Nyakach. We held a candid conversation on strengthening our party structures and reconnecting with the grassroots across the Nyanza region. These discussions matter because a strong party is built from the ground up with a solid, people-centered, and united foundation. I appreciate Hon. Aduma for the warm reception and honest engagement,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
Salah also recently met with a former President and current presidential candidate of Somalia.
He wrote on his Facebook page: “This evening, I had the honor of hosting former President and current presidential candidate of Somalia, Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, for dinner at my residence. We engaged in thoughtful and far-reaching discussions on global geopolitics, regional stability, and the importance of strengthening diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people relations between Kenya and Somalia. Strong neighbors build a stronger region.”
He wrote again: “Today, I held a consultative meeting with the President of Puntland, Said Abdullahi Deni. We had a productive discussion on strengthening trade and economic cooperation between Kenya and Puntland. Our focus was on practical partnerships, regional stability, and opening up opportunities that directly benefit our people. Strong regional cooperation builds strong economies and lasting relationships.”
