Oketch Salah, a Kenyan businessman who claims to be the adopted son of late politician Raila Odinga, recently shared photos of a heartwarming New York evening spent with Mama Ida Odinga. The outing took place on September 22, and Salah posted about it on Facebook the following day. The group explored Hudson Yards, a prominent shopping destination in New York City, before sitting down for dinner with a guest from Migori County.
The dinner gathering included Salah's children, Abdinoor and Noora, as well as Mama Ida's granddaughter Saphie and her personal assistant Shirley. Salah described the evening as "beautiful" and filled with "family, friendship, laughter and great conversations." He expressed his appreciation for the moment, stating that such experiences create memories that will always be treasured.
Mama Ida Odinga is currently in the United States attending engagements tied to the 81st United Nations General Assembly. As Kenya's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), she has been part of the Kenyan delegation participating in high-level UNGA activities. Previously, she accompanied President William Ruto at a diaspora forum held for Kenyans living in the US.
The relaxed dinner setting has drawn attention due to the long-running public dispute surrounding Salah's relationship with the Odinga family. While Salah has spoken warmly of his bond with Raila Odinga and maintained that he holds Mama Ida in high regard, Raila's children have been less welcoming of his claims. Winnie Odinga previously described his assertions as "dangerous lies," and Raila Odinga Jr. dismissed his public statements as "nonsense."
The photos from New York, showing Salah at ease alongside Mama Ida and members of her inner circle, have sparked significant online debate. Many followers have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the outing, with some expressing surprise and others seeming to welcome Salah into the Odinga family fold. The online reactions highlight the ongoing public interest in Salah's contested place within the Odinga family.
In addition to his New York outing with Mama Ida, Salah recently attended a Premier League match at the Amex Stadium, where he watched Arsenal take on Brighton alongside his children. The family wore Arsenal jerseys as they took in the live football experience, which Salah described as a special moment spent with his children. However, their outing ended in disappointment as Brighton secured a 3-0 victory over Arsenal on September 19.
The online debate surrounding Salah's relationship with the Odinga family is likely to continue, given the ongoing dispute and the attention generated by his recent outings with Mama Ida. As the public continues to weigh in on the matter, Salah's place within the Odinga family remains a topic of discussion and interest.
Key points
- Oketch Salah's New York outing with Mama Ida Odinga has sparked public debate over his contested place in the Odinga family.
- Mama Ida Odinga is currently in the US attending engagements tied to the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
- Salah's relationship with the Odinga family has been disputed, with Raila's children previously dismissing his claims as "dangerous lies" and "nonsense."
