Inside Raila’s Circle: Onyango Reveals Untold Stories About Salah

Dennis Onyango, longtime aide to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has opened up about the close friendship between Raila and Migori businessman Oketch Salah, dispelling rumors that Salah was an outsider in the late leader’s inner circle.

Speaking in an interview on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Onyango confirmed that Salah was a trusted friend of Raila, often involved in personal and political matters. 

“Everyone who worked with Raila knows Oketch Salah. He was Raila’s friend. The day Raila left for India and never came back, we were with Oketch Salah in Karen, and I spoke to Raila using Salah’s phone,” Onyango revealed.

The revelations come amid public disputes about Salah’s role and influence within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following Raila’s death. 

While some critics have questioned his relevance to party matters, Onyango’s account positions Salah as a key figure trusted by the late Prime Minister.

Onyango also shed light on Raila’s vision for political succession, emphasizing that the former Prime Minister did not handpick a successor. 

“Raila Odinga had no preferred successor; he left it open and hoped someone would emerge. But he believed in party institutions. He seemed to believe that a leader should emerge from the people,” Onyango said.

He added that Raila’s approach reflected a strong commitment to internal party democracy, relying on structures and processes rather than personal preference to determine future leadership. 

“These insights show how Raila valued internal party democracy and wanted leadership to emerge naturally,” Onyango explained.

Political observers note that these accounts highlight the late Prime Minister’s consistent emphasis on democratic processes and organizational strength within ODM. 

They also underline the significance of trusted aides like Salah in facilitating Raila’s personal and political engagements.

As the ODM continues to navigate the post-Raila era, Onyango’s insights into his inner circle and approach to succession provide clarity about the late leader’s principles and priorities. 

They also reinforce the importance of individuals who worked closely with Raila in shaping the party’s ongoing strategies and maintaining continuity.

With Kenya heading toward the 2027 General Election, understanding Raila’s methods and trusted associates like Salah could play a key role in how ODM positions itself and manages internal dynamics.