Former aide to the late Raila Odinga, Dennis Onyango, has publicly defended businessman Oketch Salah, affirming that Salah was well known within Raila’s inner circles and maintained a close relationship with the veteran leader.

The remarks come amid ongoing public debate and criticism from some quarters questioning Salah’s association with the late statesman.

Onyango Confirms Close Association

Speaking during an interview with a local media station on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Onyango stated that individuals who worked closely with Raila Odinga were familiar with Oketch Salah.

According to Onyango, Salah was frequently present around Raila and interacted closely with him during his tenure as Prime Minister.

“Everyone who worked around Raila knew Oketch Salah. I met him, I travelled with him, and he was Raila’s friend. Why they were friends, I don’t know,” Onyango said.

His comments were seen as a strong endorsement of Salah’s claims of proximity to the late leader.

Presence During Raila’s Final Days

Onyango further recalled that Oketch Salah remained close to Raila even shortly before the leader travelled to India — a trip from which he would not return.

He revealed that Salah had accompanied Raila and even presented him with an iPhone 17 prior to the trip. While Raila was in India, Onyango said he maintained communication with him both directly and at times through Salah’s phone, reinforcing the narrative of a close working relationship.

However, Onyango clarified that while he can confirm the closeness between the two, he could not definitively state how their friendship originally began.

Dispute From Winnie Odinga

Despite Onyango’s defence, the claims have been strongly contested by Winnie Odinga, EALA MP and daughter of the late Raila Odinga.

Winnie dismissed Salah’s assertions that he was present during Raila’s final moments in India, describing the claims as false and dangerous.

She stated that she had met Salah only once and maintained that he was not known within the family’s inner circle.

Winnie further questioned Salah’s intentions and suggested that authorities should look into the matter, remarks that have intensified the public debate surrounding the issue.

Wider Political Reactions

Winnie’s position appears to align with broader skepticism from some ODM figures and family members, including Raila Junior and Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai, who have urged caution regarding Salah’s claims.

The differing accounts have fueled public discussion across political and social platforms, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding Raila Odinga’s legacy and close associates.

Oketch Salah Responds

Following the criticism, Oketch Salah moved quickly to defend his position, maintaining that his relationship with Raila Odinga was genuine and mentor-like.

Out of respect for Ida Odinga, Raila’s widow, Salah stated he would not engage directly in a public exchange with Winnie Odinga.

Salah has consistently described Raila as a father figure who embraced and supported him, insisting that he stands by every detail of his account.

A Debate That Continues

The contrasting statements from Dennis Onyango and members of the Odinga family have kept the matter firmly in the public spotlight.

What remains clear is that:

• Onyango affirms that Salah was known and close to Raila
• The Odinga family disputes the depth of that relationship
• Salah continues to stand by his version of events

As the conversation evolves, the issue underscores how closely the public continues to follow figures connected to Raila Odinga’s legacy.

Final Thoughts

Dennis Onyango’s defence of Oketch Salah has added a significant voice to the ongoing discussion about Salah’s relationship with the late Raila Odinga. While questions and disagreements remain, the episode highlights the intense interest surrounding individuals associated with one of Kenya’s most influential political figures.

For now, the matter remains part of a broader public conversation — one that is likely to continue drawing attention in Kenya’s political space.