ODM Party communications director Philip Etale has shared personal memories of his late political mentor Raila Odinga, recalling their first meeting, years of friendship and a memorable birthdplay lunch that ended with a KSh100,000 gift.
Etale reflected on his relationship with Raila as he attended Wednesday’s memorial service at Kang’o Ka Jaramogi in Bondo, where the late former Prime Minister’s mausoleum was being launched.
He said he sat in the third row behind President William Ruto, Mama Ida Odinga and other dignitaries during the service, but his thoughts repeatedly returned to the lessons Raila had shared with him over the years.
“I kept thinking about so many things; good of course,” Etale said, as he reflected on the occasion and his long association with the former Prime Minister.
Etale said he first met Raila in 2000 when he was 19 years old. He recalled being so young and small that people around Raila initially tried to prevent him from accessing the opposition leader.
He eventually travelled with Raila in a Mitsubishi Pajero to Spectra International offices in Industrial Area, an experience he described as an honour he has never forgotten.
During that journey, Etale recalled Raila sharing an early lesson about ambition and persistence.
“Philip, when I was a little boy like you, I had big dreams. In life, not all dreams come true but the dream you stick to, eventually comes to fruition,” Etale quoted Raila as telling him.
Years later, Raila continued to offer Etale personal advice. He recalled a birthday lunch at Nairobi Club on July 15, 2025, when Raila invited him to celebrate his birthday.
Etale said the two spent about three-and-a-half hours together, with Raila speaking about personal convictions, political criticism and the importance of protecting one's happiness.
“You are who you are today because of what you believed in,” Etale recalled Raila telling him.
He said Raila also advised him against hatred and holding grudges, warning that anger could affect both happiness and wellbeing.
“Never hate anyone. Never keep grudges because every minute you get angry, you deny yourself 60 seconds of happiness,” Etale quoted him as saying.
According to Etale, Raila also shared how he dealt with criticism accumulated over decades in Kenyan politics.
“I have made it in politics and even become a friend of millions of Kenyans because of my ability to keep up with anything and everything that is said about me. When someone insults you, laugh them off and carry on with your life,” Etale recalled Raila saying.
Etale said the former Prime Minister practised what he preached, describing him as a person who did not allow disagreements to permanently damage relationships.
“Baba never hated anyone. He would get angry with you and the next minute he is calling you to assign you a task,” he said.
The lunch ended with a gesture Etale said he would remember for the rest of his life. Raila reportedly called for his briefcase, removed KSh100,000, blessed the money and handed it to Etale as a birthday gift.
“That was the best ever birthday lunch in my life,” Etale said.
He added that he later used the money to extend the same generosity to other people.
Etale also revealed that he would eventually share details of an incident in which Raila allegedly saved him from youths who had been hired to harm him.
“I miss Baba but I know he is in a better place. Continue resting in peace, Baba,” Etale said.