The burial of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga in his Bondo home on Sunday drew an outpouring of grief and reflection across the nation. But amid the mourning, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director Philip Etale issued a strong appeal for respect, condemning what he described as a wave of online insults and misinformation directed at the late leader.
In a detailed statement shared on X, Etale expressed deep sorrow over Raila’s passing and urged Kenyans to let him rest in peace. “RIP Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga,” he began, adding, “Let us let Baba rest in peace, just like we let Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Michael Kijana Wamalwa rest.”
Etale, who worked closely with Raila for years, described the ODM leader as a patriot who was “fought in life for standing for the truth, speaking truth to power, and defending the rights of Kenyans.”
He said Raila’s lifelong mission to protect democracy and justice earned him both admiration and enemies, but emphasized that even those who disagreed with him owed him respect in death.
“Baba was fought in life. His only crime was standing for the truth. He deserves respect in death even if you never respected him while he was walking on his two feet,” Etale wrote.
The ODM spokesperson also criticized individuals spreading falsehoods and inflammatory messages on social media since Raila’s death, accusing some of hypocrisy.
“Most of those now peddling lies were beneficiaries of Raila’s goodwill. They have survived on his generosity for years,” he said.
Etale recounted Raila’s final days, painting a picture of a leader still engaged and optimistic about the future of his party. On October 2, Raila chaired an ODM planning meeting at the Serena Hotel for the party’s upcoming 20th anniversary celebrations.
“He was jovial and proud of the team’s progress,” Etale recalled. The former Prime Minister then informed colleagues of his plan to travel to India for routine medical checks, expecting to return on October 17.
While in India, Raila remained in touch with friends and party officials. Etale remembered one of their last phone calls, when Raila laughed off rumors about his health, saying, “Tell them we are praying for them.”
However, fate took a different turn. Raila passed away on the morning of October 15 while undergoing treatment.
In his statement, Etale urged Kenyans to honor Raila’s memory by maintaining decency and restraint. “Insult someone when he is alive to defend himself, not when he is six feet under,” he pleaded.
Raila Odinga, who was 80, was buried on Sunday in a state ceremony attended by national and international leaders. His death marks the end of an era in Kenyan politics — that of a man who spent more than four decades fighting for democracy, justice, and the rights of the ordinary citizen.
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