'Don’t lecture me on ODM,' says Etale as he remembers Raila

Orange Democratic Movement strategist Philip Etale has issued a heartfelt statement reflecting on his decades-long friendship with the late Raila Odinga and reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the party following the former leader’s death.

Raila Odinga died on October 15, 2025 at age 80 while receiving medical treatment in India, triggering national mourning and tributes from across the country.

In the statement released on Monday, 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 moments of stern 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 style of politics 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 Odinga until his death and a central force in Kenyan democratic politics; Etale insisted his commitment predated and outlasted political pressures.

“I am in ODM. I have been in ODM for the twenty years it has existed and will be in ODM for as long as it exists,” he said.

He also noted that his entire family are supporters of the party and stood by it through past turbulence, including the 2012 “Luhya exodus.”

When Raila once jokingly asked whether he had left the party, Etale said his answer was clear: “Hell no.”

“No one can teach me how to be in ODM. Nobody can lecture me how well to be on the right side of history,” he said, adding that “loyalty is the difference.”

Etale concluded his statement with a firm affirmation of his political identity:

“I am in ODM… history or not, I am ODM.”