I have seen several insensitive posts about Oketch Salah, specifically about his time with Baba and the timing between when he was last seen with him and Baba’s passing.

For clarity, yesterday morning, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had sent his adopted son, Oketch Salah, who had been with him in India, to represent him at the Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference (SITICO 2025). Baba’s bodyguard was back with him in India.

For those who may not know, Oketch is indeed Baba’s adopted son. He is part of Jaramogi’s family – The family fully trusted him with Baba’s care, and this was not the first time he had accompanied him for treatment in India. Raila’s family is not comprised of fools, they know who to trust and who not to.

Each time Baba sought medical attention India, Oketch has been by his side.

Even when Dalmus Otieno passed away, Baba was already in India, and it was Oketch who traveled back to Kenya to represent him at the funeral. The flight from India to Kenya is roughly seven hours.

Oketch is not a stranger, he is Baba’s son. The fact that many people have not seen him before does not change that. In fact, some years back, Oketch’s father, Salah, was one of the very few people whose home Baba could spend a night in while in Migori.

It is deeply insensitive, uninformed, and immature to attempt to tarnish Oketch’s name at such a painful moment. Let us show respect and compassion for one another as we all mourn Baba’s passing.