The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) communications director, Philip Etale, has announced he will no longer take part in street demonstrations, citing personal safety concerns after decades of frontline activism.
Etale, a key figure in the party’s protest campaigns under the late party leader Raila Odinga, said the decision marks a major shift in his political engagement.
In a social media post on Friday, Etale reflected on his years of participation in demonstrations, describing close encounters with law enforcement and the harsh conditions faced by protesters.
“I have been involved in every street demonstration led by Baba. For half my life, it had been my way of life,” he wrote on his X account.
Etale recounted exposure to tear gas on multiple occasions, including an incident at Kenyatta Drive near Harambee Avenue, popularly known as KDD Prado, where he says police officers targeted protesters from close range.
“I have choked and even almost lost breath because of excess tear gas,” he stated, underscoring the physical dangers associated with street activism.
The ODM official emphasized that while he continues to support political engagement, he cannot return to street protests.
He clarified that his decision does not signal disengagement from the party or its objectives but rather a shift toward safer forms of advocacy.
“I can agree with any other sentiment but not one that directs us back to the streets. I can’t go back,” he said.
Etale’s announcement comes against the backdrop of ODM’s long history of street activism, which has often put party members at odds with law enforcement.
Protests under Odinga’s leadership frequently involved confrontations with police, use of tear gas, and arrests, making participation in demonstrations a risky endeavour.
Political analysts say Etale’s decision highlights an ongoing debate within Kenyan opposition parties about the role of street protests in contemporary political strategy.
With evolving methods of civic engagement, some leaders are increasingly advocating for alternatives such as lobbying, policy advocacy, and digital campaigns to influence public discourse.