The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has officially rejected political activist and businessman Oketch Salah because they said his current activities and statements and public appearances do not represent ODM party leadership. The opposition party objects to the declaration because it needs to maintain its electoral strategy for the 2027 elections.
The clarification, issued on 7 February 2026 by ODM’s National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, comes after a highly visible event organized by Salah at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi that drew large crowds wearing ODM colors and merchandise emblazoned with President William Ruto’s image—generating immediate controversy over whether the gathering had party endorsement.
Wanga’s statement made clear that all activities that Mr. Oketch Salah performs in his personal capacity will not represent the Orange Democratic Movement through their binding power. She explained that all official party programs need to pass through the ODM Party Secretariat before obtaining approval from Party Leader Dr. Oburu Odinga and other party officials.
The party issued a warning to grassroots leaders and ordinary members because they should not plan events or campaign activities under the party name until they obtain official permission, which would help the party maintain control over its operations while protecting internal order.
Salah became a nationally recognized political figure after he established a political connection with his late mentor Raila Odinga, whom he described as his political guide. The Odinga family and senior party officials have disputed his claims about attending Raila’s last public events, which he used to support his assertion that he served as his political mentor.
The KICC event, which featured Ruto images on ODM-themed clothing, sparked an immediate backlash from party members who questioned how the branding developed without detection and whether it marked a change in ODM’s position as an opposition party.
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