The Orange Democratic Movement has officially disowned and distanced itself from all activities and statements made by Oketch Salah, emphasising that he operates strictly in his personal capacity and does not represent the party in any official or unofficial manner.
In a statement issued from the ODM headquarters in Nairobi on December 22, 2025, the party clarified that Salah’s recent public engagements, pronouncements and purported events do not carry the authority or endorsement of ODM. The statement stressed that all official party activities, communications, events and positions must be channelled exclusively through the Party Secretariat and receive explicit approval from the national leadership.
“ODM wishes to make it clear that Mr Oketch Salah is not an official of the party and does not speak for or represent ODM in any capacity,” the statement read. “His actions, utterances and initiatives are entirely personal and should not be construed as party policy or position.”
The party further warned grassroots leaders, members and supporters against organising or participating in activities using the ODM name, logo, colours or branding without prior consultation and written approval from the secretariat. “Any event, rally, press conference, statement or mobilisation carried out in the name of ODM without clearance from the party leadership is unauthorised and will not be recognised,” the statement added. “Such actions expose individuals to disciplinary measures and potential legal consequences.”
ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna reinforced the position during a media briefing at the party offices. “We have noticed increasing attempts by some individuals to invoke the party name for personal or parallel agendas,” Sifuna said. “This must stop. ODM is a structured organisation with clear decision-making processes. No one is allowed to freelance in the name of the party.”
The clarification comes amid reports of Salah organising grassroots meetings and issuing statements on national issues in the name of ODM, creating confusion among supporters and the public. Salah, a former Nairobi county official and vocal party mobiliser, has been associated with ODM since the early 2010s but has never held a formal national position.
Party Chairperson John Mbadi said the move protects the integrity of ODM’s brand and decision-making. “We value every member’s contribution, but we cannot allow rogue actions to dilute our message or expose the party to unnecessary controversy,” Mbadi said. “All official engagements must go through the secretariat. That is how we maintain discipline and unity.”
The statement also reminded members of the party’s disciplinary code, which empowers the National Disciplinary Committee to sanction unauthorised use of the party name. “We are not targeting individuals, but we will enforce our rules to safeguard the organisation,” Mbadi added.
Political observers view the disowning as part of ODM’s efforts to centralise control and reduce factionalism following the death of Raila Odinga in 2024. “The party is trying to reassert institutional authority after a period of transition,” said Dr Martin Ouma, a political analyst. “Salah’s independent style has created friction, and this is a clear signal that ODM will not tolerate parallel centres of power.”
Sifuna urged members to focus on unity ahead of 2027. “Our strength lies in collective discipline,” he said. “Let us channel energy into building the party, not into personal ventures disguised as party work.”
The party reiterated that official positions, events and communications will continue to be issued only through authorised channels. “ODM remains committed to its founding principles of transparency, accountability and collective leadership,” the statement concluded. “We call on all members to respect these structures.”
As ODM navigates its post-Raila era, the disowning of Salah’s activities underscores the leadership’s determination to maintain coherence and control amid preparations for the next general election.
