NAIROBI, Kenya — Maurice Ogeta, the long-serving chief bodyguard and close aide to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, was among the select few present in India during his final moments, a silent witness to the end of a storied life.
Ogeta’s 18-year professional service to the ODM leader transformed into a bond of “near-son” affection, culminating in deeply poignant displays of grief and an official written tribute following Odinga’s passing.
A viral video captured Ogeta a few steps behind his boss during Mr. Odinga’s final morning walk in India on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. This proximity underscored the bodyguard’s continuous, ever-present role in the opposition leader’s life.
Profound grief at parliament buildings
The depth of Ogeta’s personal loss was visibly clear on Friday morning at Parliament Buildings, where a deeply emotional scene unfolded during the body viewing.
Dressed in a dark blue suit and sunglasses, Ogeta appeared visibly shaken, his steps unsteady as he entered the hall.
Supported by Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, he shared an embrace with President William Ruto in a powerful moment that transcended political lines.
Once seated, Ogeta could be seen struggling with his composure, wiping tears, his raw grief echoing the national sorrow. His emotional reaction—from the reserved professional to the visibly shattered mourner—captured the immense, personal weight of loss felt by those closest to the former Prime Minister.
The written tribute: ‘Closer than Mandela’
During the subsequent State Funeral service at Nyayo Stadium, Ogeta delivered a written tribute that spanned his nearly 18 years of service, detailing a professional bond that grew into a profound personal relationship.
In his reflection, Ogeta drew a direct parallel between Mr. Odinga’s historical contributions and those of South Africa’s first president, the late Nelson Mandela.
In his heartfelt statement, Ogeta declared: “I confess I know no other human being on the African continent came close to you as the First Among Equals on the quest for a freer and more equal continent, outside Nelson Mandela.”
He further honored his boss’s commitment to national betterment, stating: “In the historical quest for a better Kenyan nation, your legacy was marked with personal sacrifices, powers on. Thank you for being a dependable Father and Mentor.”
Background and expertise
Ogeta is a highly regarded security expert, whose long-standing presence alongside Mr. Odinga has made him one of the most recognizable figures in Kenya’s political security circles.
Hailing from Kondele in Kisumu County, Ogeta has kept details of his private life out of the public domain, though his family’s public appeal during his abduction in 2023 shed light on their deep concern.
Reports indicate Ogeta has undergone extensive military and security training over the past two decades, including professional instruction in Afghanistan and France, along with training with Israel’s special forces and Russian forces.
This specialized instruction has equipped him with advanced expertise in counter-surveillance, rapid combat reaction, and high-level personal protection, alongside skills in marksmanship and tactical response.
Furthermore, Ogeta is reportedly multilingual, fluent in more than 15 international languages, an ability that enhances his communication and coordination in complex security environments.
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His career, spanning over 25 years, was most prominently defined by his role as Mr. Odinga’s chief bodyguard, ensuring the leader’s safety during both private and high-tension public engagements.
His commitment was tested in July 2023, when he was abducted in Nairobi during a period of nationwide protests.
Family tributes define the service
The State Funeral service was characterized by powerful eulogies from the former Prime Minister’s family.
Mr. Odinga’s widow, Mama Ida Odinga, spoke warmly of their life together: “I first met Raila way back in the early 70s, and we got married in 1973. For that reason, I’ve lived with this man for 52 years. Many of the people in this stadium could easily be our children; no wonder you call him Baba,” she stated.
Their daughter, Winnie Odinga, delivered an equally moving tribute, describing her father as both a national icon and a devoted source of strength for his family: “I don’t know who I’ll miss more… my dad or my superhero. I am the luckiest girl in the world because you were my dad,” she noted.
The national proceedings will conclude with a private burial ceremony scheduled for Sunday in Bondo, Siaya County.
