Etale weighs in on toxic online and offline political discourse
Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director Philip Etale has weighed in on the growing trend of toxic online and offline political discourse, calling for greater civility in public debates and interactions.
In a strongly worded statement shared on his social media platforms on Monday, July 21, 2025, Etale emphasised that maturity is not measured by one’s political stance but by how respectfully one engages with opposing views.
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“MATURITY is when you disagree with someone else’s opinion and argue without using insults,” Etale stated.
“But you only become a SIMPLETON when you choose to be abusive and irrational just because you don’t agree with another person’s view.”
Polarised conversations
His remarks come at a time when political conversations—particularly on social media—have become increasingly polarised and personal, often degenerating into insults rather than constructive dialogue.
Etale, a seasoned communicator known for his sharp yet measured political commentary, urged Kenyans to embrace tolerance and emotional intelligence in discussions, especially in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.
As tensions continue to rise in various political quarters, Etale’s message serves as a timely reminder of the values necessary for a healthy, inclusive, and mature national dialogue.
Gachagua on division
Etale’s remarks come moments after Democracy for Citizens (DCP) party leader Rigathi Gachagua accused President William Ruto of deliberately attempting to fracture the opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking to Kenyans during his USA tour on Monday, July 21, 2025, Gachagua said that Ruto is deliberately sowing division within the opposition to ensure his victory in the next general elections.
He emphasised that while Ruto is smart and well-financed, the united opposition remains steadfast and unwavering.
“Ruto is trying to divide the opposition,ndio apitie katikati, yeye ni mkali na ni mjanja na ako na pesa, na watu wengi wanapenda pesa, very few people can be able to withstand corruption through money, so within our team anajaribu lakini tume kaa imara,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president added that they are united and that the opposition leaders, including figures such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua, Fred Matiang’i, George Natembeya, Okiyo Omtatah, and others, have agreed to hold internal primaries early next year to present a single candidate capable of challenging Ruto head-on.
“Tumekibaliana mimi niko hapo, Kalonzo ako hapo, Matiang’i ako hapo, Eugune Wamalwa ako hapo. Martha Karua ako hapo, Natembeya ako, hata Omtatah na yule mtu yeyote anataka kuwa raisi tumesema kila mtu aende atafute kura zake na pale mwisho next year hapo after chrismas tuketi tuweke kura kwa meza tuulizane nani atapeperusha bendera as one candidate only against William Ruto,”he added.
