Philip Etale recounts Raila Odinga’s final days and calls for respect
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 21, 2025Philip Etale, the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) Director of Communications, has shared moving details about the final days of Raila Amolo Odinga, describing the late opposition leader’s last moments, conversations, and his enduring commitment to the party he founded.
In a heartfelt statement on X on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, Etale began by expressing deep sorrow over Raila’s passing and urged Kenyans to respect his memory.
“Firstly, may I say with a heavy heart, RIP Rt Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga,” he wrote. “Secondly, please, let us let Baba Rest in Peace just like we let HE Daniel Arap Moi, HE Mwai Kibaki, HE Michael Kijana Wamalwa and all others who have since left us, Rest in Peace. That will be the biggest honour we shall give this great son of the soil.”
Respect for Baba
Etale defended Raila’s lifelong fight for justice and democracy, saying the former prime minister endured criticism because he stood for what was right.
“Baba was fought in life. Why? For standing for the truth, speaking truth to power, fighting for the rights of Kenyans and defending Kenyans,” Etale wrote. “Baba’s crime was standing for the truth, defending democracy and protecting the freedoms that we enjoy today. He deserves respect in death even if you never respected him while he was walking on his two feet.”
He criticised those using social media to spread what he called unsubstantiated posts and unnecessary arguments about Raila, calling them hypocrites who had once depended on Raila’s generosity.
“Most people who are today enjoying their presence on social media and whipping people’s emotions are beneficiaries of Raila Odinga’s benevolence,” he said. “They have survived on Raila’s goodwill and big heart for years. Yet they now have the audacity to insult him and post nasty things about him. For Christ’s sake, Baba is now in the grave. Today is day two. Please respect him.”
Raila’s last moments
Etale offered a rare look into Raila’s final days before his death on October 15, 2025, in India. He recalled that Raila called him on September 30, as he often did, to share information or check on him.
“That was the kind of relationship I had with Baba,” Etale wrote. “We spoke at around noon. He spoke to so many other people, including party officials.”
On 2 October, Etale attended what would become Raila’s final ODM meeting at Serena Hotel. Present were party officials, including Senator Godfrey Osotsi, National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, Rosa Buyu, Junet Mohamed, Irene Mayaka and Executive Director Oduor Ong’wen.
“The meeting was about plans for the ODM at 20 celebrations,” Etale wrote. “He was very happy with the progress of the preparations and how build-up activities were going on. He then disclosed that he would be travelling to India the following day for routine medical checkups and that he would be back in two weeks’ time.”
Etale said Raila was in high spirits that day, leading colleagues in chanting “Chungwa Nation, Tukutane Mombasa!” before leaving.
While in India, Raila kept in touch with close allies. Etale recalled receiving a call from him on Monday, 6 October, around 12:55pm.
“It was like a coincidence because I was seated in the office with some of our youths who had come to seek clarification on the news that was spreading on social media regarding Baba’s health,” he said.
“I sought his permission to put him on loudspeaker so he could assure the young men that he was okay. He agreed. The boys were happy. They left smiling and assured. It is then that Baba said, ‘Philip, I can see people posting so many untruths about me online (laughing and giggling). Tell them we are praying for them.’”
According to Etale, Raila was expected back in Kenya on Friday, 17 October, but passed away two days earlier.
“He knew he would return home on that day, but God thought otherwise,” Etale wrote.
Etale’s plea
In closing, Etale urged Kenyans to honour Raila by rejecting online hate and propaganda.
“Let us show some respect to the dead,” he pleaded. “Baba never had the time to respond to charlatans spreading hate and lies on socials. Propaganda in life and propaganda in death are two different things. Insult someone when he is alive to defend himself and not when he is six feet under.”