Merge photo of EALA MP Winnie Odinga (L) and businessman Oketch Salah
Conflicting accounts have emerged between EALA MP Winnie Odinga and businessman Oketch Salah regarding the late Raila Odinga’s final moments.
The exchange has stirred fresh
debate online as Kenyans continue to process the death of the longtime
opposition leader.
The clash began after an interview
aired on Tuesday night on Citizen TV, where Winnie dismissed Salah’s assertions
that he was among the individuals close to Raila during his last hours.
“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.
Salah had previously shared
emotional recollections about the former Prime Minister, claiming he had spent
meaningful time with him shortly before his death.
Winnie strongly refuted the claims,
insisting that Salah was neither a confidant nor part of Raila’s inner circle.
“I have met him before, yes, but
nobody really knows him,” she said during the show.
She described his statements as
misleading and potentially harmful at a time when the Odinga family is
grieving.
Winnie added that anyone issuing
unverified claims about Raila’s final moments should be subjected to evaluation
by relevant authorities.
“Such fabrications should be
investigated because they cause unnecessary distress,” she said.
Her remarks triggered immediate
public discussion, with many questioning Salah’s proximity to Raila and the
motivations behind his statements.
Some supporters echoed Winnie’s
concerns, arguing that public figures must avoid exploiting a sensitive
national moment.
Salah responded several hours later
in a written statement posted online.
He said he had intentionally avoided
commenting earlier out of respect for Raila’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga.
“Because of the respect I have for
Her Excellency the Ambassador, Mama Ida Min Piny from Migori, I chose to remain
quiet. That was a deliberate decision,” Salah said.
He added that despite his silence,
he felt compelled to offer clarity in light of the comments made on national
television.
“I stand by everything I said about
my last moments with Baba. Those moments were real, painful and lived. I will
respond in an interview soon,” he stated, without giving further details.
He added, “I have no interest in
engaging in emotional exchanges during a time of mourning.”
The standoff has generated intense
reactions across social media platforms, with users calling for clarity to avoid
further confusion.
Some critics argued that both sides
should exercise restraint out of respect for the family, while others insisted
that truthful accounts of Raila’s final moments are important for the historical
record.
Raila, who shaped Kenya’s politics
for decades, was surrounded by a wide range of allies, supporters and
associates, many of whom have since shared personal stories.
The former Prime Minister passed away in October 15, 2025,
while receiving treatment in India.