Kasmuel McOure defends Salah Oketch, says propaganda distorts Raila’s legacy
By Kiprono Keileb, December 1, 2025ODM youth leader Kasmuel McOure has come out strongly to defend long-time former prime minister Raila Odinga’s confidant, Salah Oketch, saying a fresh wave of online propaganda is being pushed by the same people who spent years attacking the former opposition leader.
In a lengthy statement posted on X on Monday, December 1, 2025, McOure said the renewed claims targeting Oketch are meant to twist history, weaponise personal relationships and mislead Kenyans about Raila’s inner circle and political alliances.
Kasmuel McOure accused unnamed actors of attempting to malign Oketch and revive old hostilities.
“I have observed with concern the sudden resurgence of propaganda from the very actors who spent years maligning our departed Supreme Leader and father of Kenyan democracy. Their latest target is our elder brother, Salah Oketch. Such attempts are not only dishonest; they are historically illiterate,” he said.
He dismissed the claims being circulated online about Oketch’s interactions with political leaders, saying Raila had deep, genuine friendships that are now being misrepresented.
“Those who truly understood the Chief of the Golden Heart, Raila Amolo Odinga, know the depth of his friendship with Salah, and though it may not be my place to disclose, with Noordin as well. These relationships were warm, longstanding, and anchored in mutual respect,” McOure stated.
He added that Raila would not have objected to Oketch attending the much-discussed wedding that has sparked the online storm.
“Had Baba been with us today, there is no doubt he would have attended that wedding alongside the very individuals now being weaponised in online narratives. This is a matter of fact, not conjecture,” he said.
McOure further claimed that the propaganda is part of a broader attempt to malign multiple political figures and distort facts for political gain.
“We are witnessing a coordinated attempt to distort truth, unnecessarily malign President Ruto, discredit Noordin, and tarnish the name of Salah Oketch,” he said.
He went on to credit Raila for fostering cooperation between the government and key institutions in his final months, saying this progress is rarely acknowledged publicly.
“Over the past year, tangible progress has been made in governance reform and executive coordination made possible through genuine cooperation between the presidency, our national intelligence structures and Raila Odinga,” he noted.
McOure concluded with a personal message to Oketch, praising his loyalty to Raila and his continued service to Oburu Oginga.
“To my elder brother Salah: you served Baba with dignity and warmth. Today, we see your continued sacrifice and commitment in ensuring that our Party Leader, Oburu Oginga, is dignified and protected,” he said.
He reaffirmed ODM’s resolve to remain united and focused on Raila’s political vision.
“Continue taking care of our Party Leader. ODM. Tuko Tayari,” he stated.