Migori-based philanthropist and self-proclaimed adopted son of Raila Odinga, Oketch Salah, was conspicuously absent from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s Linda Ground tour in Kisumu East following a violent incident in Siaya County last weekend.
Salah’s convoy was reportedly attacked, and several vehicles vandalized during the Siaya leg of the tour, where he had joined efforts to mobilize support for ODM leader Oburu Oginga and the faction backing the broad-based government initiative.
According to multiple sources within ODM, tensions have been rising between Salah and members of the Odinga family, with insiders revealing that the Jaramogi family is displeased with Salah’s recent public remarks about his alleged relationship with the late Raila Odinga.
The situation is said to have worsened after Salah appeared to criticize Raila’s youngest sister, Ruth Adhiambo, who also serves as the Kisumu Woman Representative.
Several ODM leaders have also expressed frustration with Salah’s attempts to use his financial influence to run parallel party activities. Reports indicate that Salah has been working closely with Jaoko Oburu Odinga, an advisor to President William Ruto, and Kasmule Mcoure, in what party insiders describe as an effort to blur ODM’s political messaging.
During the Siaya rally last week, ODM Minority Whip Junet Mohamed publicly rebuked Salah for allegedly printing t-shirts bearing President Ruto’s image in ODM colors for use at party events. The businessman has been accused of promoting ODM while simultaneously campaigning for President Ruto’s 2027 re-election bid, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from party loyalists.
Earlier this month, ODM officially distanced itself from Salah’s political activities. In a statement released shortly after midnight on Saturday, February 7, ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga clarified that Salah’s engagements were personal and not sanctioned by the party. Wanga emphasized that all official ODM programs must be coordinated through the party secretariat under the direction of party leader Oburu Oginga.
The party’s disavowal followed backlash over Salah’s “Linda Comrades” event at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where participants donned ODM-branded outfits alongside caps featuring President Ruto’s image. The incident further fueled speculation about Salah’s political loyalties and deepened divisions within ODM ranks.
As the Linda Ground tour continues across Nyanza, Salah’s absence underscores the growing friction between the Migori businessman and ODM’s top leadership, raising questions about his future role within the party’s political landscape.
