The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has publicly rejected any association with political activist Oketch Salah, stating that he has no role in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and distancing both the party and the Odinga family from his recent political activities.
Speaking in a TV interview on Wednesday night amid growing concern over Salah’s public appearances and rallies tied to ODM, Ruth said the party’s National Executive Council (NEC) has confirmed that he is not a member and is not authorised to speak for the party.
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“In the NEC, we agreed that Oketch Salah should not be allowed to represent the party because he is not a member. I am surprised to keep seeing him act as if he does,” she said.
Ruth also dismissed Salah’s claims of having close personal ties with the Odinga family, noting that she hardly knows him.
“I barely know him. He claims to know me, but in my entire life, I have met him only three times,” she said, adding that he should respect the family’s privacy.
“If he considers himself my brother’s friend or adopted son, as he claims, I would like to ask him to give us space as a family,” she added.
The statement comes as Salah continues to organise and address political gatherings, including the “Linda Comrade” forums, which he has linked to ODM’s agenda. At these events, he has been seen mobilising youth and defending ODM leadership, sometimes presenting himself as a loyal party supporter.
His activities have caused confusion among supporters, with some mistakenly perceiving him as an official ODM representative, even though party leaders maintain he holds no position.
Junet Mohamed, Suna East MP, also publicly cautioned Salah against holding rallies and printing ODM-branded shirts without party approval.
Ruth’s remarks clarify ODM’s stance, emphasising that Salah has no mandate to represent the party, highlighting concerns about individuals acting outside the party while invoking its name.
The statement is expected to settle doubts about Salah’s status in ODM, even as he continues to be visible in political activities associated with the party.
