“I didn't grow under him”: Oketch Salah clarifies his origin, how Raila adopted him

Oketch Salah with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Businessman Oketch Salah has moved to clarify the nature of his relationship with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, following public debate over claims that he was the late ODM leader’s adopted son.

Salah has recently found himself at the centre of controversy after alleging close personal ties with Raila, remarks that drew criticism from some members of the Odinga family, including Raila’s youngest daughter, Winnie Odinga.

Speaking in West Pokot during a charitable outreach, Salah said he was born and raised in Migori County in a business-oriented family, dismissing claims that he grew up in Raila’s household.

“I was born and bred in Migori in a business family. I did not grow up under Raila. I was raised by my father, Salah,” he said.

He explained that his relationship with Raila developed later in his adulthood, describing the former prime minister as a mentor and supporter rather than a biological or custodial parent.

Salah added that Raila was widely regarded as a father figure to millions of Kenyans due to his stature and influence in national politics.

“Raila Odinga adopted millions of Kenyans. That is why he was called Baba. Once you become everyone’s father, just like the Bible and the Quran say, you belong to all,” he said.

Salah also explained how the “adopted son” label came about, revealing that Raila once sent him to represent him at the funeral of Dalmus Otieno.

He said he questioned the capacity in which he would attend the funeral, only for Raila to instruct him to go as his adopted son, while Senator Oburu Oginga represented the Jaramogi family.

“That is how it started. Just like many others, Raila was like a father to me,” Salah said.

Addressing reports of a fallout with Winnie Odinga, Salah dismissed claims of bad blood, insisting they remain on good terms.

“Winnie is my younger sister. I have no issue with her. We are one family,” he said.

Winnie had previously disowned Salah, accusing him of exploiting her father’s death for personal gain.

Salah first rose to national attention in October last year during Raila’s illness, when he shared photos of the ODM leader in India, revealing that he was undergoing treatment.

Following Raila’s death on October 15, 2025, claims intensified that Salah was his adoptive son. He was visibly present during Raila’s final rites, accompanying the immediate family at the state funeral in Nairobi and the burial in Bondo, Siaya County.

Both Raila and his elder brother, Oburu Oginga, had publicly associated with Salah during social events.

At the wedding of Salah’s son, Oburu acknowledged Salah’s close bond with Raila, noting that he stood by the former prime minister during his treatment in Dubai and India.

Oburu later said that Raila had embraced Salah as a son and declared that he, too, would accept him as his own.