ODM politician and a family friend of the Odinga family, Oketch Salah, has issued a statement addressing accusations surrounding his role during former Prime Minister the late Raila Odinga’s illness and final moments.
“I am the one being accused, so I will respond directly and calmly. 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,” Salah said.
Salah described the final moments he witnessed while caring for Raila Odinga, days before he sought treatment in India.
“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,” he revealed.
The politician acknowledged that he had deep conversation with the late Odinga during this period.
“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,” he explained.
Responding to allegations of disrespecting Odinga’s family, Salah responded that he has never claimed to replace Odinga’s family.
“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,” he said.
Writing on his X account, Salah extended an open invitation for scrutiny.
“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,” he declared.
He rejected attempts to weaponize his role for political purposes.
“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.”
Salah also provided specific details about a health scare at Odinga’s Karen residence before the former Prime Minister’s medical trip to India.
“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,” Salah said.
He recounted the evening’s events, that shocked him.
“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,” he said.
Reflecting on those moments, Salah said, “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.”
Despite clarifying Ogetta’s absence during that specific incident, Salah praised the security officer’s service.
“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,” Salah stated.
In his conclusion, Salah remained resolute.
“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,” he concluded.
