The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has disowned Oketch Salah, clarifying that any activities, statements or engagements undertaken by him do not represent or bind the party in any way.

In a statement, ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga insists that all party activities, programs and engagements are channeled through the party secretariat and are undertaken with the approval and guidance of the party leader Oburu Oginga.

“Grassroots leaders, members, and supporters are therefore advised that no activities should be organized or conducted in the name of ODM without prior consultation and approval from the Party leadership and the Secretariat,” Wanga, who is also the Homa Bay County Governor, says.

Wanga adds that the ODM Party remains committed to order, discipline, and structured engagement in the pursuit of its objectives.

In the recent past, especially after the death of long-serving party leader Raila Odinga, Salah has become outspoken on matters of ODM, often boasting how close he was with the late Raila.

The businessman-cum-politician has been crisscrossing the country, making pronouncements about ODM matters and decisions, drawing public attention and debate within the party ranks.

In all his public engagements, Salah has been quick to tell Kenyans how he had uncountable provate conversations with Raila, meetings to which he hinted to him about the direction the party should take ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Some of his pronouncements and claims have raised eyebrows among ODM leaders and members alike.

In an interview with Citizen TV, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament Winnie Odinga — who is Raila’s daughter — fiercely rejected claims by Salah that he was present at the time of her late father’s death.

Branding the claims “dangerous lies” and questioning his intentions, Winnie insisted that Salah’s assertions were not only false but also inappropriate, given the sensitivity surrounding the former prime minister’s death.

“I have met Oketch Salah, but I’d like to believe nobody really knows him. A flat-out lie that you were there at the time of my father’s death and you were not, and talking about things that did not occur, is quite dangerous and makes me question his intentions,” she said. “He should be rushed to either Mathare or the DCI with immediate effect.”