- Businessman Oketch Salah wrote an open letter to President Ruto apologising for the disruption that marred Raila Odinga's first death anniversary commemoration
- The October 15 memorial at Migwena Grounds in Bondo drew controversy after guests were booed and intimidated, prompting Ida Odinga to also apologise
- Salah asked President Ruto to declare October 15 a national public holiday in honour of the late former prime minister
Businessman Oketch Salah, a close associate of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, has issued a public apology to President William Ruto for the conduct that disrupted the first anniversary commemoration of Raila's death.
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This while also urging the Head of State to declare October 15 a national public holiday in Raila's memory.
Writing in an open letter in a personal capacity and as a friend of Raila, Salah described the scenes at the October 15 memorial as deeply troubling.
"I was deeply embarrassed and ashamed. An occasion of such national significance deserved dignity, gratitude and reflection," he wrote.
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Chaos at Migwena Grounds
The commemoration was held at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, and drew widespread criticism after attendees were subjected to booing, shouting and intimidation.
Raila's widow, Ida Odinga, subsequently apologised to guests who bore the brunt of the hostility and noted that some individuals may have been paid and transported to disrupt the event.
Several prominent ODM figures chose to stay away. Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Co-operatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya were all absent.
Junet confirmed he skipped the event deliberately after learning that former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had been invited.
In his letter, Salah specifically condemned the prominence given to certain figures at the event.
"It was particularly painful to see individuals whom I believe have undermined Baba's vision and contributed to divisions within his beloved ODM Party accorded prominence at an occasion dedicated to his memory," he said.
While acknowledging that political disagreement is a right, Salah argued that it comes with the responsibility to exercise restraint when honouring the dead, and that no grievance justifies turning a commemoration into an occasion for humiliation.
He warned that Raila's legacy must not be used as a vehicle for personal ambition or the settling of political scores.
Appeal to President Ruto
Salah directed a portion of his letter directly at President Ruto, expressing appreciation for the support shown to Raila during his lifetime and at the time of his death.
"Your Excellency, I wish to express our sincere gratitude for standing with Baba when he was well, throughout his illness and at the time of his passing. We saw your support. We appreciate it. We shall never forget it," he wrote.
He stated that the kindness Ruto extended to Raila cannot be erased by the behaviour of others, and that he neither endorses nor excuses the disrespect directed at the President during the memorial.
Salah made a formal appeal for a lasting national tribute to Raila's decades of sacrifice.
"Your Excellency, I respectfully and firmly appeal to you to initiate the necessary steps to declare 15 October a national public holiday in honour of Baba Raila Amolo Odinga," he wrote, adding that such a day would be devoted to community service, dialogue and acts of compassion, and would serve as an enduring lesson for future generations.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
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