Philip Etale, Communications Director of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), has appealed to party members to honour the legacy of the late Raila Odinga, popularly known as “Baba,” amid growing divisions within the party.
In a heartfelt social media post, Etale described Baba as a leader of exceptional character, highlighting his humility, kindness, and ability to forgive.
“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, and engaging in petty and selfish behavior,” Etale wrote.
Etale recalled personal experiences showing Baba’s dedication to reconciliation.
“He would differ with you at 10:00am and at 12:30pm, invite you to lunch with him,” he said, emphasizing the late leader’s commitment to dialogue and unity.
The communication director urged ODM members to avoid using Baba’s name for personal or political advantage.
“If we truly loved Baba like I did, let us let him rest. Give him peace. Invoking his name to suit personal interests or to scare away some people is not what he believed in,” he stated.
Etale’s message comes at a delicate moment for ODM, which is currently facing internal divisions following the ouster of Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.
Reflecting on the late leader’s life, Etale reminded members that Baba endured many struggles and deserves to rest without continued disturbance.
“He went through a lot in life, and he can’t continue being disturbed in death. Rest in Peace, Sir,” he said, urging party members to prioritize the late leader’s values over factional disputes.
As ODM continues to deal with its internal realignments, Etale’s tribute underscores the importance of maintaining respect for Baba’s memory and the principles he stood for—compassion, forgiveness, and reconciliation.