Businessman Oketch Salah, a close associate of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, issued an open letter apologising to President William Ruto for the disruption that marred the October 15 commemoration of Odinga’s first death anniversary.

The memorial, held at Migwena Grounds in Bondo, Siaya County, was plagued by booing, shouting and intimidation of attendees, prompting Ida Odinga to also apologise for the hostile atmosphere.

Salah’s letter, written in a personal capacity as a friend of Raila, described the scenes as “deeply troubling” and condemned the prominence given to certain political figures at the event.

He noted that several senior ODM leaders, including Suna East MP Junet Mohamed, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Co‑operatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya, were absent, with Junet confirming he deliberately skipped the ceremony after learning former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had been invited.

In the same letter, Salah appealed directly to President Ruto, thanking him for the support shown to Raila during his lifetime and after his death, and asked that October 15 be declared a national public holiday to honour Odinga’s decades of sacrifice.

Salah warned that Raila’s legacy should not be exploited for personal ambition or political scores, urging restraint and respect when commemorating the late leader.