Oketch Salah has doubled down on claims that the late opposition leader Raila Odinga intended to support President William Ruto’s re-election bid, asserting that he is bound by duty to publicly defend what he describes as Baba’s final political instructions.

In a detailed statement on Thursday, February 19, 2026, addressing remarks made by Ruth Odinga, Salah said he would not retract his position that Raila had resolved to back Ruto for a second term, framing the issue not as a political manoeuvre but as an obligation to honour the veteran leader’s wishes.

“Baba was clear to me that he intended to endorse President William Samoei Ruto for a second term,” Salah stated.

“I am duty-bound to speak honestly about what he told me, without fear, without distortion and without seeking permission from anyone,” he added.

The claim comes amid ongoing debate within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over the future direction of the party and the stewardship of Raila’s political legacy following his death.

In his statement, Salah – who has touted himself as Baba’s adopted son – also rejected criticism from Ruth Odinga, accusing her of misrepresenting facts during media appearances and stressing that his relationship with Raila Odinga was personal and independent of family dynamics.

“My relationship was with your late brother, Baba, and that relationship stood on its own,” he said, adding that his involvement in ODM activities had been undertaken at Raila’s request rather than for personal political gain.

Salah also emphasised that ODM was built as a national movement over more than two decades and should not be viewed as belonging to any individual or family.

“ODM does not belong to you, or to me, or to any one family. If it does, then let that be stated openly, and I will step away without hesitation. Baba spent more than 20 years building ODM into a national party. It belongs to the people of Kenya, from every part of this country,” he stated.

The controversy underscores the uncertainty surrounding ODM’s future as figures associated with Raila seek to define what his political legacy means in practical terms.

Salah urged party members to rally behind the current leadership, including Oburu Odinga, warning that internal disputes risk weakening the movement at a critical moment.

He warned Ruth Odinga that public fighting with her elder brother is a dangerous game that could lead to her own political ruin.

“You should stop fighting your elder brother, who is the current party leader,” Salah stated bluntly in a statement posted on social media.

“Dr. Oburu Odinga did not simply assume a position; he carries a responsibility, and Baba entrusted me, in good faith, to work with him. If you allow your elder brother to be put on the chopping board today, do not be surprised if tomorrow it is your turn,” he added.

For Salah, the issue is personal as much as political. He said he spent significant time with Raila during his final days and felt compelled to defend what he believes to be the truth of those conversations.

“I speak today not out of anger but out of respect for Baba’s memory and for the truth,” he said.