ODM Party Communications Director Philip Etale has publicly declared his support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid in the 2027 General Election, saying his decision is informed by conversations he had with the late Raila Odinga.
Etale said Raila, whom he referred to as “Baba”, had spoken to him about his political relationship and renewed friendship with Ruto, arguing that Kenya would be better off under the President than with some of the politicians seeking to take over the country’s leadership.
“If everyone was to speak boastfully about what Baba told them, I would be glad to say that he spoke to me about so many things, including his friendship and reunion with President Ruto,” Etale said.
He added that Raila had advised him to remain within the political arrangement they were pursuing instead of becoming a rebel within the party.
“If he told you to be a rebel, he told me that you should stay put where we are. Kenya is better off with William than some of those people who cannot point out the priest in a mountain of sugar,” Etale added.
The remarks place Etale firmly among ODM figures supporting continued cooperation between the party and Ruto’s administration as political realignments intensify ahead of the 2027 polls.
ODM has experienced significant internal disagreements following Raila’s death in October 2025, with leaders taking different positions over the party’s relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
One faction, associated with party leader Oburu Oginga, has maintained cooperation with Ruto’s government, while another grouping under the Linda Mwananchi banner has opposed the arrangement and advocated for a more independent political path.
Recent developments have included the removal of Edwin Sifuna as ODM secretary-general and continued public disagreements over the party’s direction.
Etale’s position also marks a significant political statement given his role as ODM’s communications director. He was previously among officials insisting that the party remained united despite growing speculation about internal divisions.
But his latest remarks leave little ambiguity about his personal position ahead of the next election.
“I am unapologetically vouching for Ruto’s re-election,” Etale said, directly linking his decision to what he described as Raila’s political counsel.
His declaration comes as Ruto and ODM leaders continue to navigate an increasingly competitive 2027 political landscape, with the President’s allies seeking to consolidate the broad-based arrangement while opposition factions work to build alternative political formations.