A political debate has emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement following public activities by businessman and aspiring politician Oketch Salah, which drew a firm response from Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga.
The issue has sparked discussion about party discipline, personal political initiatives, and the limits of individual action within established political parties.
In recent months, Salah has been actively engaging young people in different parts of the country.
These meetings have largely targeted youths who identify with ODM, and Salah has said his goal is to energise and strengthen the party’s youth wing.
During several of these gatherings, participants have been seen wearing ODM-branded clothing, while others appeared in attire bearing the image of President William Ruto.
This mix of political symbols caused confusion and led to questions about the true nature of the meetings and the authority under which Salah was operating.
ODM national chairperson Gladys Wanga issued a public clarification. She stated that Salah’s activities were not authorised by the party and that ODM had not approved or sanctioned his mobilisation drives.
Courtesy File/Radio 47
Wanga explained that all official party activities must go through recognised ODM organs, which operate under the guidance of the party leadership.
She stressed that none of these structures had endorsed Salah’s actions, making it clear that he was acting on his own.
Later the same day, Salah responded to Wanga’s statement by agreeing that his actions were personal and not carried out on behalf of ODM.
He said he never claimed to have approval from the party leadership and apologised to Wanga if his activities caused offence or misunderstanding. According to Salah, his intention was never to undermine the party or its leadership but to support it in his own way.
Salah explained that his involvement was driven by a personal belief in ODM and its ideals.
He said he had taken it upon himself to promote the party because he felt a strong personal connection to its history and mission. He added that his actions were guided by conviction rather than official instruction.
He also addressed concerns about funding, clarifying that all the activities he organised were financed using his own resources.
He stated that he had neither requested nor received money from ODM and insisted that no party funds were used. According to him, this was his personal contribution to a party he respects and believes in.
Salah further said that his commitment to ODM was linked to a promise he made to the late Raila Odinga. He explained that he had pledged to support and strengthen the party in his individual capacity and felt morally obligated to honour that promise. For him, this commitment remains strong even after Raila’s death.
Despite criticism and questions about his role, Salah said he would continue supporting ODM as the country moves toward the 2027 General Election. He described his loyalty as one rooted in respect for Raila Odinga’s legacy and the party’s place in Kenya’s political history.
However, Salah’s rise in the political space has not been without controversy. Before Raila Odinga’s final days, he was largely unknown to the public. He became more visible during Raila’s medical trips abroad and later after his death. Some Kenyans have questioned his sudden prominence, especially after Raila’s daughter, Winnie Odinga, publicly criticised him for allegedly using her father’s death for political advantage.