The Orange Democratic Movement has moved swiftly to stamp out internal dissent, publicly disowning Oketch Salah and declaring his recent outbursts as the "rogue actions" of a private individual.

In a decisive move to protect the party's image and unity, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued a stern disclaimer regarding Mr. Oketch Salah. The party leadership, clearly rattled by Salah’s recent remarks and activities, released a statement clarifying that he speaks for no one but himself. The rebuke was swift, public, and brutal, signaling that Orange House is in no mood to tolerate freelancers who threaten to confuse the party’s base.

A Question of Discipline

The controversy stems from a series of statements made by Salah that unsettled the party’s rank and file. While the specific details of his remarks were not rehashed in the statement, the reaction from the party hierarchy—led by Chairperson Gladys Wanga—was unambiguous. "Any activities, statements, or engagements undertaken by Mr. Oketch Salah are carried out strictly in his personal capacity," the statement read. It is a diplomatic way of saying: "He is on his own."

This distancing is critical for ODM as it navigates a delicate political season. With the party keen to project a united front, any unauthorized messaging is viewed as sabotage. Insiders suggest that Salah’s actions may have crossed a red line, potentially misrepresenting the party’s position on key national issues or succession politics.

• Official Protocol: ODM emphasized that all official communication must be channeled through the Party Secretariat, a clear warning to other would-be spokespersons.
• The Wanga Factor: The statement being signed by National Chairperson Gladys Wanga adds significant weight, elevating the matter from a minor squabble to a top-level disciplinary issue.
• Base Confusion: The primary goal is to prevent confusion among the "Jeshi" (supporters) who might mistake Salah’s personal views for party policy.

The Party Line

The incident highlights the tightrope that political parties in Kenya walk between encouraging member participation and maintaining central command. For Oketch Salah, the message is clear: the party machinery is bigger than any individual, and those who run ahead of the drum beat risk being left behind in the political wilderness.

ODM has drawn a line in the sand. Discipline, it seems, is the new currency at Orange House.