Miguna Defends Salah, Blasts Winnie Over Raila Claims
Lawyer Miguna Miguna has jumped into the growing controversy surrounding businessman Oketch Salah, strongly defending him against public criticism and dismissing claims that his association with the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was fabricated or exaggerated.
Miguna argued that the attacks on Salah are “hypocritical, unreasonable and malicious,” insisting they ignore the reality of Raila Odinga’s political stature and the tight control he exercised over his inner circle.
“Raila Was Highly Protected” – Miguna
In a strongly worded statement, Miguna said that during his lifetime, Raila Odinga was one of the most protected political figures in Kenya, making it impossible for anyone to force their way into his personal or political space.
“Raila Amolo Odinga was a powerful, well-connected, wealthy and influential politician who had heavily armed and well-trained bodyguards and aides at all times,” Miguna said.
“Unless Raila chose to be in the company of someone, there is no way that such a person could have forced himself on him.”
According to Miguna, the suggestion that Salah somehow infiltrated Raila’s inner circle without consent is both illogical and dishonest.
Miguna: Salah Was a Familiar Face to the Odingas
Miguna, who said he has never personally met Oketch Salah, nonetheless insisted that the businessman’s presence around the Odinga family was neither secretive nor new.
“Out of 50 million Kenyans, Raila freely chose Oketch Salah to be his aide, confidant and friend,” Miguna stated.
He added that photos and videos circulating online clearly show Salah dancing, celebrating, and socialising with Raila, Ida Odinga, and other members of the Odinga family over several years.
Miguna also claimed that Salah accompanied Raila on multiple trips abroad, including during medical visits in the final months of his life, alongside other close associates.
Winnie Odinga Sparks Fresh Debate
The renewed scrutiny of Salah intensified after EALA MP Winnie Odinga publicly dismissed his claims of being close to her father, particularly regarding his alleged presence during Raila Odinga’s final moments.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Winnie accused Salah of spreading falsehoods.
“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.
Winnie insisted that Salah was not a confidant and was not part of Raila’s inner circle, adding that his statements were misleading at a sensitive time for the grieving family.
Calls for Investigations Over “Fabrications”
Winnie went further, saying anyone issuing unverified claims about Raila Odinga’s final moments should face scrutiny from authorities.
“Such fabrications should be investigated because they cause unnecessary distress,” she said.
Her remarks divided public opinion, with some Kenyans backing the Odinga family’s position while others questioned why Salah was being singled out after years of visible association with Raila.
Miguna Accuses Kenyans of Double Standards
Responding to the backlash, Miguna accused sections of the public of applying double standards, arguing that Raila himself made deliberate choices about the people he allowed into his life.
“These and other questions expose the hypocrisy and double standards by many Kenyans who have attacked Oketch Salah for no justified reasons,” Miguna said.
In a provocative remark, Miguna added:
“If anyone deserves to be attacked for befriending Oketch Salah, it’s Raila Amolo Odinga.”
“Let’s Speak the Truth” – Miguna
Miguna concluded by urging Kenyans to avoid speculation and emotional reactions, calling for a fact-based discussion instead.
“Raila intentionally surrounded himself with people he trusted,” he said.
“Let’s speak the truth.”
As the debate continues, the Salah controversy has reopened wider conversations about political access, legacy, and who gets to define proximity to Kenya’s most influential leaders—even after death.