The mourning period for the late Raila Amolo Odinga was meant to be a time of national unity, but it has quickly turned into a high-stakes arena for “Legacy Wars.” When Winnie Odinga appeared on Citizen TV this week to eviscerate businessman Oketch Salah’s claims, she wasn’t just defending her family’s privacy—she was drawing a battle line for the future of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The “Adopted Son” vs. The Biological Heir
Oketch Salah has long positioned himself as the “son” Raila chose, claiming to have held the Enigma in his arms during his final moments in India. This narrative granted him significant social capital among the “ODM diehards.” However, Winnie’s label of him as a “fraud” has effectively devalued that currency.
This isn’t just about a hospital room; it’s about Gatekeeping. In Kenyan politics, being the one who heard the “last words” of a kingmaker often grants you the power to dictate who should lead next. By discrediting Salah, Winnie is signaling that the Odinga family—and not “outsiders”—remains the sole custodian of Raila’s political mantle.
ODM at a Crossroads: The Internal Rift
The Winnie-Salah feud is a symptom of a much larger infection within the party. During her interview, Winnie dropped several bombshells that point to a growing rift between the “Young Turks” and the “Old Guard”:
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The UDA Pact: Winnie hinted at “secretive” and “unprocedural” talks between a faction of ODM and President Ruto’s UDA for a 2027 alliance.
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The NDC Demand: She is calling for an urgent National Delegates Conference (NDC), arguing that the current leadership transition is “unconstitutional.”
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The Oburu Factor: While she defended her uncle, Dr. Oburu Oginga, as a steady hand for the transition, she warned that he must not be used as a “shield” by those looking to auction the party to the highest bidder.
The “Convenient Villain”
Oketch Salah, in his response, claimed he is being turned into a “convenient villain” to help others fight internal battles. Is he a scapegoat? Or is he an opportunist? As the 2027 General Election approaches, the “purity” of one’s relationship with the late Raila Odinga will determine who gets the ticket in Nyanza and across the country.
What’s Next for ODM?
With the burial behind us, the “knives are out.” The party must decide if it will remain a family-led institution or transition into a broader democratic entity. If the “Young Turks” like Winnie Odinga and Babu Owino continue to clash with the “Old Guard” over the UDA alliance, 2026 might be the year the “Orange” finally splits.
