Migori senator: I don’t know who Oketch Salah is
By Mabonga Makhanu, February 21, 2026Migori Senator Eddy Oketch has stated that he does not know the self-proclaimed adopted son of the late Raila Odinga, identified as Oketch Salah.
Speaking during an interview with political analyst Herman Manyora on his YouTube podcast on Friday, February 21, 2026, Oketch said that despite spending considerable time with the late leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), he had never met or heard of Oketch Salah.
He noted that he only came to know of him following Raila’s death, when questions began emerging about Salah’s identity and his purported closeness to the veteran politician.
Oketch added that he had travelled extensively with Raila, sometimes spending up to three weeks together on official engagements, yet Salah’s name never came up at any point.
“I don’t know Oketch Salah. I came to know him when Raila Odinga died. Honestly, you can check on any record or any file I have. I have travelled far and beyond with Raila; I have never seen Oketch Salah.” Eddy Oketch stated,
On claims by several members of Raila’s family that they barely knew Salah, the Migori senator said that could be true, as they were the ones who spent the most time with the late statesman.
Ruth distancing from Salah
The controversy comes at a time when several close relatives of Raila have publicly distanced themselves from Salah. Among them is Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga, Raila’s sister, who dismissed claims that Salah was closely involved in the family’s private moments.
“I have no reason to doubt the Odinga family.”
She said that although Salah claims to know her well, they may have met only a few times. Ruth also refuted Salah’s assertion that he was present with Raila in his final moments, maintaining that only she and East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP Winnie Odinga were by his side.
Salah, however, responded by insisting that he was close to Raila until the end and claimed he had even facilitated her travel arrangements to visit Raila in India.
Winnie Odinga has also distanced herself from Salah, terming his claims false. Raila’s son, Raila Junior, has similarly supported her position.
Dennis Onyango defending Salah
Despite the denials from members of the Odinga family, Raila’s long-time aide Dennis Onyango has defended Salah, describing him as a close associate of the former prime minister.
Onyango said Salah had travelled to several countries alongside Raila and was among those who accompanied him to India for treatment.