ODM’s Director of Communications, Philip Etale, has shared an emotional and revealing story about the late Raila Odinga’s unwavering commitment to electoral integrity and democratic values.
In a heartfelt tribute posted on X (formerly Twitter), Etale recounted an incident that occurred years ago at the Nairobi Club. He recalled how Raila, visibly angered, almost slapped him after he jokingly suggested that the ODM team should consider rigging elections to counter opponents who allegedly manipulated past polls.
“He turned blue, looked at me with sharp eyes, switched his phone from one hand to the other I knew he was about to smack my face,” Etale wrote.
According to Etale, Raila sternly rebuked him, saying, “Stop this nonsense. Why would a sane person plan to rig a democratic election? Kenyans pay a lot of money to have credible polls.”
The revelation came as Kenyans continue to mourn the death of the 80-year-old former Prime Minister, who succumbed to cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment in India. Raila will be laid to rest on Sunday at his Bondo home, in accordance with his wish to be buried within 72 hours of his death.
Throughout his five presidential bids, Raila built a legacy as a principled democrat who rejected shortcuts to power. Even after disputed elections, he consistently sought justice through legal means rather than manipulation.
Etale’s story paints a vivid picture of a man who valued integrity above all else — a leader who inspired loyalty not just through charisma, but through his unshakable belief in fairness and rule of law.
As Kenya prepares to bid farewell, tributes continue to pour in, honoring Raila Odinga as a statesman whose ideals shaped the nation’s democracy.
