Oketch Salah, the Kenyan businessman who has publicly described himself as the late Raila Odinga’s adopted son, shared a glimpse of a heartwarming New York evening spent alongside Mama Ida Odinga, generating significant buzz online.
The outing took place on Monday, September 22, with Salah posting about it on Facebook the following day.
Was Oketch Salah with Ida Odinga in New York?
The group spent part of the afternoon touring Hudson Yards, one of New York City’s most prominent shopping destinations, before sitting down for dinner with Min Piny Nyamera from Migori County and Mama Ida Odinga.
Salah was accompanied by his firstborn son Abdinoor and his third-born daughter Noora, while Mama Ida’s granddaughter Saphie and her personal assistant Shirley also joined the table.
“It was a beautiful evening filled with family, friendship, laughter and great conversations. These are the moments that make travelling special and create memories that we will always treasure,” Salah wrote in his post.
Why is Ida Odinga in New York?
Mama Ida is currently in the United States in her official capacity as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), attending engagements tied to the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
She has been part of the wider Kenyan delegation participating in high-level UNGA activities, and previously accompanied President William Ruto at a diaspora forum held for Kenyans living in the US.
The relaxed dinner setting has drawn attention largely because of the long-running public dispute surrounding Salah’s relationship with the Odinga family.
While Salah has spoken warmly of his bond with the late former prime minister and has 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 about being present during her father’s final moments as “dangerous lies,” and Raila Odinga Jr. dismissed his public statements as “nonsense.”
See the post below:
Netizens weigh in
The photos from New York, showing Salah at ease alongside Mama Ida and members of her inner circle, have clearly caught the attention of many followers.
@George Otieno:
“Bado Winnie hakujui 😀😀😀😀”
@Erick Weke:
“Bado watasema hawajui Oketch Salah”
@Omondi Allan:
“Mnipatie lift next time bana, mlinipita na ndege”
@Alex Omzabere:
“God’s time is the best”
