The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is a house haunted by the giant who built it. In a fierce rebuke to internal critics threatening to tear the party apart, Communications Director Philip Etale has invoked the memory of the late Raila Odinga, demanding discipline and unity in a party still reeling from the loss of its iconic leader.

"Don’t lecture me on ODM," is the subtext of Etale’s impassioned defence, as he stands as a guard at the gate of the party’s legacy. With factions emerging and fingers pointing—most notably involving the fiery Winnie Odinga and the old guard—Etale’s intervention is a desperate plea to respect the structures Raila left behind. He reminds the noisy upstarts that the "D" in ODM stands for democracy, but democracy without order is anarchy.

The Integrity of the Struggle

Etale’s loyalty to Raila is not just political; it is personal and visceral. He recounts moments of private discipline where Raila, a stickler for the rule of law, would reprimand even his closest aides for suggesting shortcuts. "Baba was never a sycophant," Etale declared, countering the narrative that the current leadership has betrayed the founder's vision. This recollection serves as a moral compass for a party that seems to have lost its true north since October 2025.

The internal wars, with accusations of hijacking the party for selfish gain, threaten to undo decades of political work. By invoking Raila’s refusal to rig elections even when victory was stolen, Etale is setting a high bar for the current leadership. He is challenging them to emulate the moral stamina of their fallen captain rather than fighting over the scraps of his political estate.

• The Winnie Factor: The public spats involving Raila’s daughter, Winnie, have exposed deep generational and ideological fault lines that Etale is trying to bridge.
• United We Stand: Despite the noise, Etale insists the party remains "one and forever," a claim that will be tested in the coming months as ambitions collide.
• The Moral Inheritance: The true test for ODM is whether it can transition from a vehicle of one man’s ambition to an institution of enduring values.

A Party at the Crossroads

As ODM navigates this perilous transition, the voice of Philip Etale serves as a reminder of the gravity of their inheritance. They are not just managing a political party; they are custodians of a history written in tear gas and ballot boxes. The ghost of Raila Odinga looms large, and for Etale, the only way to honour him is to stop the infighting and keep the movement marching forward, united and disciplined.