Conflicting accounts have emerged between EALA MP Winnie Odinga and businessman Oketch Salah regarding the late former Prime Minister’s final moments, sparking heated debate online.
The dispute erupted following an interview aired Tuesday night on Citizen TV, where Winnie publicly dismissed claims by Salah that he was among the individuals close to her father during his final 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,” Winnie said during the interview.
Salah had previously shared emotional recollections, claiming he spent meaningful time with the former Prime Minister shortly before his death. However, Winnie strongly refuted those assertions, insisting that Salah was neither a confidant nor part of her father’s inner circle.
“I have met him before, yes, but nobody really knows him,” she stated, describing his remarks as misleading and potentially harmful at a time when the family is grieving.
Winnie further argued that individuals making unverified claims about the late leader’s final moments should be subjected to scrutiny by relevant authorities.
“Such fabrications should be investigated because they cause unnecessary distress,” she said.
Her remarks quickly ignited public discussion, with many Kenyans questioning Salah’s proximity to the late statesman and his motivations for speaking out. Some supporters echoed Winnie’s concerns, warning against exploiting a sensitive national moment for personal attention.
Several hours later, Salah responded in a written statement shared online, saying he had deliberately remained silent out of respect for the former Prime Minister’s widow.
“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,” he said.
Despite his silence, Salah noted that he felt compelled to clarify his position following 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 offering further details.
He added that he had no interest in engaging in emotional exchanges during a period of mourning.
The standoff has continued to generate intense reactions across social media, with users calling for restraint, clarity, and respect for the family. While some argue that truthful accounts of the late leader’s final moments are important for the historical record, others insist that such matters should be handled privately.
The late former Prime Minister, a towering figure who shaped national politics for decades, was surrounded by a wide circle of allies, supporters, and associates—many of whom have since shared personal stories following his death.