What next for Raila’s Bodyguard
Throughout Raila Odinga’s extensive political journey, few individuals were as integral to his life as his bodyguards. These unsung heroes were always by his side, standing firm through countless protests, arrests, and election campaigns.
Among them, two men truly distinguished themselves with their unwavering loyalty: George Oduor and Maurice Ogeta.
For over thirty years, George Oduor stood by Raila Odinga with unwavering loyalty. He first joined the Odinga family in the late 1980s, serving under Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and continued his dedication to Raila after Jaramogi passed away.
Raila referred to him as a steadfast rock, someone who was always there without faltering. Oduor was not just a protector; he was a trusted confidant and a calming presence during some of the most chaotic political times in Kenya.
Oduor, who was closely associated with Jakom, spent a year and three months in Kamiti Maximum Prison after his arrest in 1998.
Sadly, in April 2025, George Oduor passed away following a brief illness, marking the end of a significant chapter. Raila expressed his deep sorrow, sharing that he had lost not just a loyal friend, but a true patriot as well.
In recent years, Maurice Ogeta became a familiar presence alongside Raila, always composed, alert, and quietly effective.
In 2023, Ogeta faced a real test of his loyalty when he was abducted during a particularly tense political climate. Unknown men, thought to be police officers, took him away, and he vanished for several days.
When he was finally released, he was found shaken and blindfolded, a stark reminder of the dangers that come with standing by someone like Raila.
Despite that harrowing experience, Maurice remained steadfast. In Raila’s final days in India, Ogeta was right there, a quiet witness to the closing chapter of a long and significant journey.
Behind those dark glasses and serious faces, both men were carrying a heavy emotional load. The constant vigilance, the sleepless nights, and the nagging feeling that any crowd could conceal a danger—these were their unspoken struggles.
After George passed away, his wife revealed that he would often come home as late as 3 a.m. and slip out before dawn. His family shared that he viewed his work as a calling, not merely a job.
What next for Raila’s Bodyguard
