Africa-Press – Kenya. Orange Democratic Movement Communications Director Philip Etale has called on party members and supporters to honour party leader Raila Odinga’s legacy with dignity and restraint.
Etale described Raila as a respectful and forgiving leader who never harboured anger or grudges against others. He added that the late leader was caring and loving, noting that disagreements never defined his relationships.
In a message addressed to ODM supporters, Etale urged ODM members to allow the departed leader to rest in peace, warning against invoking his name for personal or political interests.
“He was a man who never kept anger in his heart. He never kept grudges, and never did he spend time disparaging people, calling people names, or engaging in petty and selfish behaviour. He would differ with you at 10 am and at 12:30 pm invite you to lunch with him,” Etale said.
The ODM communications director expressed the pain of the loss while appealing for respect for the deceased. “Please, if we truly loved Baba as I did, let us let him rest. Invoking his name to suit personal interests or to scare away some people is not what he believed in. He went through a lot in life, and he cannot continue being disturbed in death. Rest in peace, Sir.”
Raila died on October 15, 2025, at age 80 while receiving medical treatment in India, triggering national mourning and tributes from across the country.
This follows sentiments by various leaders on the conversations they had with the former Prime Minister before his passing on the future of the ODM Party. Etale has on various occasions reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the party following the former leader’s death.
On February 9, Etale said he met Raila in 2000, when he was just 20 years old, and described the late politician as a mentor and father figure whose guidance shaped both his personal life and professional path.
“Half my life, I had been close to Raila Odinga, and I mean very close. He was like my father and my mentor and teacher of many things in life,” Etale said. He recalled Raila’s personal counsel, late-night calls, and stern moments of correction, as well as lighter times shared over meals.
“Holding my hand he did, walking with me he did, calling me when he needed to share a piece of information with me he did, even in the wee hours of the night,” Etale said.
Etale said his admiration for Raila’s political style went beyond friendship and influenced his own actions in the media. “I admired his style of politics that, while in the newsroom, I put my career on the line just to ensure he was visible,” he said.
Reaffirming his loyalty to ODM, the party led by Raila until his death and a central force in Kenyan democratic politics, Etale insisted his commitment predated and outlasted political pressures.
