Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Nominated Senator Crystal Asige has warned politicians against attempts to invoke the name of the late Raila Odinga to gain social approval through what she termed as virtue signalling.

Speaking at ODM at 20 celebrations in Mombasa on Friday, November 14, 2025, Asige recounted how Raila was a leader of convictions and how he endeavored to support leaders with the same virtue.

The senator, who made it to the parliament of Kenya in 2022 under the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), made an emotional tribute to the late Raila Odinga.

Respect for Baba

She recounted how Raila endevaoured to listen to her views even when they differed from his, stating that her respect for the late leader stemmed from that disposition.

“Baba has always been kind to me and warm. Even when he differed in opinion or direction, he cared enough to listen and appreciate me for articulating my stand. Never did he move to punish, marginalise or dismiss me for my opinion. For that alone, I deeply honour and respect him,” she opined.

Taking advantage

She concluded by imploring politicians to stop invoking the deceased’s name solely to appear morally superior.

“Now that Baba has gone, we should not take advantage of the fact that he is not here. This is not the time to inflate the truth about what he said or virtue signal, like I see many people in the country doing,” she added.

The senator also added that her fond memories of the late leader will always remain with her long after his demise.

Fond memories

“I will always remember Baba for the times we shared that did not make the news. Like how he always wanted me to sit on his left at all meetings, and how he forgot I am visually impaired and expected me to wave while saying Senator? Aki Baba mi sioni,” she added.

Asige’s remarks come after she similarly hailed Raila’s role in Kenya’s political landscape, especially his contribution to freedom and justice.

”You fought not for power, but for people; for justice, for unity, for a Kenya where every voice belongs, and no truth is ever silenced. You taught us that freedom means nothing without inclusion – that our strength lives in our togetherness. You sowed hope and were our light. I remain Jeshi ya Baba. Your courage still inspires, your vision still guides, and your dream still breathes in us,” she said on his Mashujaa Day tribute of Raila.