Oketch Salah has issued a public statement apologising to Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga while firmly reaffirming his loyalty to the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), amid growing internal tensions within the party over his recent political activities.
In the statement addressed directly to Wanga, Salah said his actions had only one intention to “popularise and strengthen ODM” but admitted that, in the process, he may have offended the party chairlady.
“If, in that process, I have hurt you, Chairlady Wanga, I sincerely apologise. That was never my intention,” he said.
The statement comes after weeks of unease within ODM circles following Salah’s high-profile grassroots mobilisation drives and visible political engagements across parts of Nyanza and beyond.
His activities, which included public events branded around ODM mobilisation, reportedly drew criticism from some party leaders who questioned both the optics and the structure of his involvement.
Salah, however, defended his actions, saying ODM “needs to be re-energized and refreshed,” arguing that “a living movement must keep moving, keep inspiring and keep reaching the people especially at the grassroots.”
He also addressed concerns about the source of funds used in his mobilisation efforts. “The resources I have been using are my own, personal resources. I have not asked ODM for money and I have not used party funds,” he stated, describing the effort as his “personal contribution to a party I love and respect.”
He further anchored his loyalty to ODM in what he described as a personal promise he made to party leader Raila Odinga.
“I promised Baba that I would stand with ODM. I made that promise when we were in India. That promise has stayed with me,” he said.
Salah framed his commitment as one driven by “love, loyalty and obligation to Baba’s legacy,” adding that supporting and strengthening ODM was part of his duty.
His closing remarks left little doubt about where he stands politically. “I remain ODM. I believe in ODM. And I will continue to stand with ODM out of love for the party and out of respect for Baba.”
